Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador believes that the court order obtained by Kajang police to cancel today’s planned rally against the introduction of Jawi in vernacular schools was done in the interest of security.
Elaborating on the matter, Abdul Hamid said that he had initially instructed the police to be fully prepared should the rally proceed as planned to prevent any untoward incident.
“In the present climate, there may be provocation of sorts, so the police are in the best position to assess the situation,” he added.
He stressed that he holds firm to the principle of democracy, in which the people have the freedom to speak within given parameters.
GEORGE TOWN: Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador believes that the court order obtained by Kajang police to cancel today’s planned rally against the introduction of Jawi in vernacular schools was done in the interest of security.
He said that there was no other reason behind the move, as claimed by various political organisations.
Abdul Hamid said that the decision by the Selangor police chief and Kajang district police chief to obtain the court order was likely based on the numerous police reports lodged against the demonstration.
“I have entrusted them with the responsibility of handling this issue, so they are in the position to assess the situation in terms of security. I have no role in it.
“Maybe they felt that it was best for the rally to be postponed or cancelled and to be re-organised in a manner which does not touch on the sentiments of others,” he said when asked to comment on the matter on Friday.
The Chinese Organisations Joint Conference had planned to hold a rally at the auditorium of the New Era College University in Kajang, Selangor, today.
But in a statement on Friday, Chinese education group Dong Jiao Zong said that they received a court order from the police at 5.10pm yesterday.
“The police obtained the court order on the grounds (that the rally would be) disturbing the peace, and disallowed the Conference of Chinese Associations from convening (today).
“Hence, Dong Jiao Zong has to call off the conference and asked all representatives as well as organisations involved to cancel their attendance,” it said.
Elaborating on the matter, Abdul Hamid said that he had initially instructed the police to be fully prepared should the rally proceed as planned to prevent any untoward incident.
“In the present climate, there may be provocation of sorts, so the police are in the best position to assess the situation,” he added.
He stressed that he holds firm to the principle of democracy, in which the people have the freedom to speak within given parameters.
Abdul Hamid underscored that there was no hidden agenda on his part to foil the rally.
“I am not one who plays politics.
“I am confident that after this, everyone will get back to their senses and think rationally to ensure this issue is not sensationalised by anyone.
“After 62 years of independence, we are supposed to be very wise. But sadly, while the country has matured, the thinking of some people has not,” he added.
The IGP also remarked that provocative behaviour – and the reaction to it – is burdensome to the police, who are in the midst of improving the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
“As such, this issue (disrupts our focus). It should not have happened in the first place.
“Our focus now is to improve the force to ensure better delivery system to the people.
“So, it is my hope that all those who like to touch on religious issues to be more rational.
“No one will benefit from it. All will be lost,” he said, adding that politicking is allowed within the confines of the constitution.
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