IT is police’s duty to ensure security at all public events, said Abdul Hamid Bador.

“We are there to ensure the orderly conduct of the event, (and its) safety and security.

“Whoever is there representing police is there out of concern for the event’s security,” said the new inspector-general of police in Putrajaya today.

He was commenting on reports that Special Branch officers have been barred from Parti Warisan Sabah press conferences.

Warisan vice-president Junz Wong said Special Branch personnel will not be allowed at the party’s pressers unless invited.

“If they want to request it (permission to attend), they should identify themselves and not pretend to be reporters,” he was reported as saying yesterday.

Hamid, who is also former Special Branch director, said police are not interested in party events dealing with internal matters.

“We don’t have an interest in being there if it’s a private party matter. But it’s different if it is a public event.

“It’s just a matter of confusion, and I’m not going to prolong the issue. After all, Warisan is an ally of the federal government.”

However, he added, it is unlawful to stop police from carrying out their duties under Section 186 of the Penal Code.

Special Branch officers are frequently assigned to attend press conferences, ministers’ functions and political events. – May 13, 2019.