Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar says police investigations cannot be rushed in order to placate detractors.

"The critics' duty is to criticise, but I have a duty to ensure a fair and thorough investigation.

"They can say what they like but I have a duty to fulfil," he told Malaysiakini in a text message.

Khalid was responding to criticism that the police are dragging their feet in ivestigations into Wanita Umno delegate Mashitah Ibrahim.

He said the police must follow due procedure in all their investigations and statements must be recorded from concerned parties before the investigation papers could be handed to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

"This is done in all cases, whether it involves politicians or others. The police cannot rush probes to satisfy critics and risk compromising the integrity of investigations," he added.

As for the investigation concerning Mashitah, Khalid said the probe is still ongoing and there are more statements to be recorded.

The former deputy minister became the subject of police reports when she told Wanita delegates at the recent Umno general assembly that the Chinese community had torched pages of the Quran during a prayer ritual in Kedah.

Prior to this, Kedah Menteri Besar Mukhriz Mahathir had clarified that the incident involved a mentally ill Malay man, who tore the Quran but did not burn them.

The police have since recorded a statement from Mashitah as well as Malaysiakini journalists over the news portal’s article on her speech.

The police are investigating the former deputy minister under Section 505 of the Penal Code for racial incitement.

Umno is also looking into complaints on its delegates for raising sensitive issues pertaining to race and religion.