The transfer of Dang Wangi police chief Bakri Zinin from his post is proof that "people's pressure" can make a difference, said Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM).

The pro tem party, which has been carrying out a persistent campaign to highlight unwarranted police action, in particular Bakri, against participants of a peaceful May Day march in Kuala Lumpur, said its members were "happy and glad" with the decision.

Last Saturday, newspapers reported that Bakri has been transferred to Bukit Aman police headquarters to assist the director of the Crime Intelligence Unit.

"Unlike his previous position, where an entire district is placed under him, now he will have other superiors over him. His powers will be restrained too," said PSM in a press statement issued on Saturday.

"Though some quarters may argue that Bakri's transfer to Bukit Aman is a promotion, the move will clearly clip Bakri's wings and confine him closely to Bukit Aman, where others can supervise him," added PSM.

Disgraceful

According to the party, more than 60 police reports were lodged against Bakri for his "disgraceful handling" of this year's May Day march and for the arrest of 17 persons on charges of 'illegal assembly'.

Last Thursday, a group of May Day marchers lodged another nine reports against Bakri at the disciplinary unit at Bukit Aman.

Meanwhile, when contacted today, PSM's national chairperson Dr Mohd Nasir Hashim said the party had merely done its part in reporting police injustice and abuse of power.

"It is for Bukit Aman to investigate the matter and decide on appropriate action," said Nasir today during a telephone interview.

The party chairperson added that the transfer of Bakri may lead to better rapport with the police.

"We do not want to cause problems. We hope for more police dialogue and discussions into these matters," added Nasir.