Home minister defends police's 'no report, no action' remark

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has defended the police’s “no report, no action” statement concerning calls for a probe against the Umno Youth chief, saying the force has its ways of handling things.

“I won’t interfere with the police’s day-to-day affairs. I believe they have their own methods - based on reports lodged or reports lodged by the officers themselves.

“Police have the expertise and they know what to do,” he said at a press conference at the Home Ministry’s office in Putrajaya today.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain said the force is not probing Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh over his Facebook post that showed him wielding a traditional Japanese sword - citing no police report was lodged.

Razarudin reportedly said police will only initiate an investigation if a report has been lodged.

His statement courted flak from several quarters, with Lawyers for Liberty saying it reeks of selective prosecution.

“This is a blatant abdication of duty by the police force whose primary statutory function is to preserve and protect public order.

“Under Section 3(3) of the Police Act 1967, the police have a duty to maintain law and order, preserve the peace and apprehend offenders. This duty is mandatory upon the police,” its director Zaid Malek said.

‘Firm action against instigators’

Saifuddin urged the media to uphold the Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s decree to not drag on inflammatory issues further.

As such, the minister said the cabinet has directed the Home Ministry to keep an eye on those instigating the public, promoting violence and conducting themselves in a way that could jeopardise peace.

“This is where the police will take firm action,” Saifuddin added.

When pressed on whether there was a need to probe Akmal, Saifuddin refused to comment.

“I didn’t say (whether Akmal was an instigator). You are putting words into my mouth. This is unfair,” he said.

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