Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi denied that Inspector General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar had misused Twitter to “scare” people .

“The actions taken by the IGP to notify the public on measures taken by the authorities are not intended to scare any party and are not politically motivated.

“PDRM has always been professional, not biased and has always upheld law and public order,” Zahid said in a written reply to Lim Kit Siang (DAP-Gelang Patah) today at Parliament.

Lim ( right ) had written to question the home minister if it was appropriate for the IGP to use Twitter to intimidate the public and opposition openly.

In the reply, Zahid also said the police were going about their duty “without fear and favour”.

“The police will inform the public on actions taken via Twitter after taking into consideration issues which may raise public concern.

“Announcements like these do not breach any current laws and are fast and efficient in reaching the public,” Zahid added.  

He also said parties seeking to instigate racial or religious tension should be wary.

“The police take this issue seriously as there are irresponsible parties with personal interests who have misused the media until the point where national security may be compromised,” Zahid added.

Lim had previously accused Khalid ( left ) of abusing Twitter to “instil fear” among activists, opposition politicians and the public through “open orders” to his staff to take action without any investigation or proof.

The IGP had also received flak from various parties locally and internationally on the policing he does on Twitter.

Khalid had used Twitter to announce that several Pakatan leaders like PKR vice-president Rafizi Ramli and others who criticised the judiciary and government during the Sodomy II verdict, would be investigated for sedition.