The controversy surrounding the 'vice cops' accusation by Terengganu Menteri Besar Abdul Hadi Awang intensified today with Inspector General of Police Norian Mai commenting o­n it for the first time.

Norian said in Terengganu this morning that Abdul Hadi's allegation would o­nly be valuable if there is concrete proof.

A Bernama report quoted him as saying that a thorough investigation process including recording statements from the police themselves would depend o­n statements and information they received.

Specific details

"If the information gives specific details regarding an accusation, we will surely investigate to ascertain its truth.

"If it is just to say "A" did this or that...it is not sufficient unless evidence is forwarded," the IGP said.

Abdul Hadi caused a furore recently when he remarked in a ceramah in Machang, Kelantan, that the police were protecting those involved in illicit activities in Terengganu.

He later clarified that he o­nly meant "some and not all" were involved.

As a result of his allegation, former Terengganu Police chief DCP Othman Talib lodged a police report against Hadi and threatened to sue him for tarnishing the image of the police department.

Abdul Hadi then requested to see Abdullah, saying he does not want to talk about his accusations through the media.

Same rules apply

On the question of action if the accusations proved to be true, Norian said all police personnel and officers would be punished if they broke the law.

"Police records show the actions we have taken against our men when they broke the law...we arrest them if they are involved in crime, just like any other criminal."

"If civilians are placed in lockups, policemen will also be placed in lockups, if civilians are charged in court, policemen will also be charged in court," he said.

There were no different set of rules for policemen and that this message had been made clear to them.

Norian added that investigations into the Abdul Hadi vice claim had been taken over by Bukit Aman from the Kelantan police and no statements had been recorded so far.

Bernama also reported that o­n Thursday, Bukit Aman CID Deputy Director Datuk Musa Aman had a 30-minute meeting with Abdul Hadi at his office in Kuala Terengganu.