Media statement by Lim Kit Siang in Petaling Jaya on Tuesday, 10^th August 2010: 

Has Hishammuddin changed his mind about having a new IGP when Musa Hassan's twice-extended contract expires next month?

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said the government will announce the status of Tan Sri Musa Hassan's contract as Inspector-General of Police (IGP) at an appropriate time.

He said:

"This is not the right time to talk about it.

"When the time comes, we will make the appropriate announcement."

This has caught the whole country and entire police force by surprise, as it is in complete variance with the stand taken by Hishammuddin in Parliament five months ago on March 15, when had told the press that Musa would be replaced as IGP.

He said:

"It is not only specific to the IGP but four out of the seven division directors of PDRM. I already know who is going to replace the IGP. I already know who will replace the commercial crime investigation department director.

"I already know those who will take over, so there is no use speculating or reporting without basis." (Sun March 16, 2010)

As a result of Hishammuddin's statement in Parliament on March 15, the country had been waiting patiently for the announcement of the new IGP but now there seems to be a dramatic reversal of the situation as Musa seems to be very much in the running to be re-appointed as IGP.

What had happened to the new IGP-designate? Has he been found wanting in the qualifications and qualities needed to be the country's IGP that the government has now to fall back on Musa Hassan to extend his tenure for another term?

It will be the most powerful evidence that despite all the sloganeering about reform and government overhaul, the Najib administration is just incapable of walking the talk if Musa is again appointed for another term of duty as IGP.

*Lim Kit Siang, DAP Parliamentary Leader & MP for Ipoh Timor