PKR has urged authorities to bring those behind a Malacca protection racket to justice without any fear nor favour.

This followed inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar’s admission that he and his family knew one of the main suspects Gopinathan Krishnan, but anyone found to have committed any wrongdoing would answer for it.

“I urge the authorities to conduct a transparent investigation without any fear nor favour on all criminals, regardless of their status or position,” said PKR information chief Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh in a statement today.

“Ensure that they who have committed any illegal activities would not escape punishment.

“Khalid’s admission that those who knew him and his family and had committed any crime would not escape punishment should be realised through action,” he added.

The whistleblower site Sarawak Report previously claimed that Gopinathan had been in direct telephone contact with Khalid.

It claimed that Gopinathan had played a key role in running a police protection racket across gambling dens and prostitution houses in Malacca, and the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) had arrested as many as 12 suspects - mostly police officers - in relation to the case last month.

“My officers will not be in cahoots with those who are involved in activities that are against the law," he said.

“In this case, this Gopi, if he has done something illegal... My officers and I will fully co-operate with the MACC in this investigation,” Khalid told a press conference on June 14 when asked about the allegations.

He also claimed that the Sarawak Report is trying to malign him and the police force, and the MACC should be allowed to complete its investigation.

MACC chief Dzulkifli Ahmad had said that investigations are still underway, and Khalid would only be called in for questioning if necessary.

'Damaging police's credbility'

Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had said there is nothing criminal in the relationship between Khalid and Gopinathan, and it is normal for a police officer to know many people.

However, Syed Ibrahim said it is embarrassing and very damaging to the police’s credibility that Khalid knew a crime suspect, and urged for Gopinathan to be arrested without delay.

“In the exposé (by Sarawak Report), Khalid was said to be in direct contact by phone with Gopinathan, whereas any police officer would be bound by regulations not to have any relationship with criminals.

“Strangely, Khalid was not aware of his acquaintance’s activities. Is Khalid trying to protect a wanted criminal?" he asked.

“Khalid should not be coy on this issue, and should arrest the acquaintance for being involved in a serious crime,” he said