KEPONG MP Lim Lip Eng has questioned the rationale of arresting individuals who recorded an open police raid, saying the act of recording cannot be considered as “interfering” with police operation.

Lim also urged the attorney-general to explain why the raid could not be recorded when the operation was carried out in public.

The lawmaker was responding to the arrest of three individuals in Penang last night after they allegedly recorded a raid at a small entertainment outlet in George Town.

“Last night, police in Penang raided a music show held at a small cafe and entertainment outlet in George Town.

“In the raid, apart from arresting the operator of the cafe, police also arrested three people because they were found recording the authorities while the raid was conducted,” said Lim.

He described the arrest as oppressive, adding that “interfering” is subjective in terms of the law.

“Isn’t it better that the operations carried out by the authorities are done openly? Things like this should be shown to the public on the basis of transparency in carrying out duties.

“The AG has to explain why are these individuals arrested just for recording the situation that happened?” asked Lim.

He further questioned why aren’t the police equipped with a body cameras if recording is not allowed.

“It would be better for body cameras to be installed while the policemen are on duty. The purchase of the equipment by the police was scheduled for 2021, now it’s 2023 – when will this be implemented?

“This is an important issue that needs to be emphasised as the new government prioritises reforms in the police force,” he said.

The Malaysian Insight has reached out to Bukit Aman for comments.

Last month, the government reportedly approved an allocation of RM30 million for the procurement of body cameras for use by policemen on duty.

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said that the procurement process was in progress.

“I hope the procurement can be expedited as it (body camera) is now a necessity. I have instructed the ministry secretary-general to follow up on the matter,” he told a press conference after a working visit to Bukit Aman. – January 31, 2023.