Amid calls for him to resign for purportedly meddling in politics, Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador has urged his critics to think in a rational manner.

He said detractors should understand his remarks before making baseless accusations.

“Don't make accusations as if I am the IGP for the 'Pakatan Harapan nation' (Ketua Polis Negara Pakatan Harapan). I am IGP for the country, not political parties,” he added.

According to Sinar Harian, Hamid was speaking at an event in Bidor, Perak, where he was questioned on his remarks regarding race and religious issues.

The police chief denied pinning the blame on the opposition, stressing that he remains neutral with regard to his duties.

“I said (previously) that it is common in any situation when there is a sudden change... there will exist a situation where parties will bicker amongst themselves to uphold their respective political agendas.

“Opposition parties will work towards weakening the government.

“As the IGP, I need to be in the middle, not take sides. I will reprimand the government if it is wrong. I never said the opposition is the cause of all this (race and religious tension),” he added.

Hamid was responding to Sukarelawan Malaysia president Isham Jalil, who urged the police chief to resign over his previous remarks.

The IGP said trivial issues should not be raised to burden the police.

“Ease our burden so that we can focus on more beneficial issues… Don't be an arrogant person, who is looking for positions and influence to the point of burdening the police.

“There is no end to political issues since last year, which should have been resolved since last year to the point that trivial matters also become an issue.

“We need to shift (focus). The general election will come, focus (on these issues) then,” he added.