FORMER inspector-general of police Musa Hassan has appointed himself adviser to the force.

Recently, he advised Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to be careful about traitors within and without who might interfere with his duties.

He reminded the former Bukit Aman anti-terrorism chief to be tough at all times.

The advice to Ayob Khan was given following his interview with Malaysian Gazette.

While there was no interference in efforts to track down those linked to Islamist terrorism, he said, there were problems in the arrest of 12 people, among them two DAP elected representatives, over ties to the defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE).

He said there were calls for the detainees to be released and amendments made to the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

Musa may be a former IGP, but he has no right to say police are beyond reproach. He did not say this when he headed the force.

Yes, there is no question of police upholding the law by using tough measures. However, he has no right to say officers cannot be subjected to scrutiny by the public or politicians.

If police make mistakes, it is up to the public to point them out or take up the matter with the relevant authorities.

I’m not sure whether Ayob Khan can safely say the arrest of 86 individuals linked to Islamist terrorist groups happened without murmurs.

Whether he realises it or not, the support group formed for those arrested, charged and sentenced is very much alive.

I’m not sure whether many of those convicted are really guilty of what they’ve been charged with.

If police are infallible, why use Sosma based on scanty evidence and hearsay?

The arrests in the LTTE case under Sosma were nothing but a gross injustice. They were politically motivated, with the aim of discrediting and humiliating a party that was part of the ruling coalition.

Who says police are above politics?

Most importantly, though, is the question of why the 12 were arrested over links to LTTE, which was decimated in Sri Lanka’s civil war in mid-2009. Why shouldn’t politicians point out the force’s error in detaining the 12? What real evidence did police have in their possession?

Well, if the arrests were based on the government gazette that deems LTTE a terrorist organisation, then what’s wrong with asking for it to be rescinded, on the grounds that it is no longer relevant?

Surely, former attorney-general Thomas Thomas wouldn’t have ordered their release without solid or incontrovertible evidence.

The public expects police to discharge their duties in accordance with the country’s laws. They must be responsible and just.

And, they are definitely not beyond reproach. Musa must know this.

He must remember that he proved to be an unreliable witness in a court case involving senior police officers charged with abuse of power some years ago. – July 12, 2020.

* Ramasamy Palanisamy reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.