I call upon the IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to direct that a police report be lodged against Home Minister Dato Seri Zahid Hamidi and to push for an immediate probe against him.
Two things need to be probed.
First, according to Zahid, those projects involving national security that Phua had allegedly helped Malaysia on are official secrets.
If that be the case, the Minister’s writing of a letter exposing details such as Phua’s identity and the fact that Phua is instrumental to and had helped Malaysia on national security projects may itself be an offence under the Official Secrets Act 1972.
What makes matters worse is the fact that it is alleged that Zahid did not consult the police nor Attorney-General prior to writing the said letter.
Former IGP Tun Hanif Omar and Tan Sri Rahim Noor are reported to have come out openly expressing concerns against Zahid for writing the said letter to the FBI.
Khalid cannot remain silent.
He has been quick to call for investigations against others of late. He should show equal vigour in this matter as well.
S8 of the OSA speaks of persons who have in their possession or control any official secret and how it is it would be an offence if these persons wrongly communicate such official secrets with others.
There is also express mention of the use of any such official secret for the benefit of any foreign country other than any foreign country for whose benefit he is duly authorized to use it, or in any other manner prejudicial to the safety or interests of Malaysia.
It would appear that the OSA is wide enough to cover the position here.
Second, this investigation should also focus on whether there was indeed any big mistake made by the police in respect of Phua’s alleged association with the 14k triad as claimed by Zahid.
I am of the view that it is Khalid’s duty as IGP to have this matter probed as it involves the credibility of his men.
Whether or not any offence has been committed by anyone is yet to be determined but I am of the considered view that it is necessary in the public interest, that an investigation be commenced forthwith.
It is now for Tan Sri Khalid to show that he is not afraid and that where he must, he will do all that is necessary in order to protect his men and matters which are protected by law from irregular, if not unlawful, communication to others.