KUALA LUMPUR, APRIL 17- Former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan has urged politicians to stop “putting fear in people” by making statements about possible racial tension or riots should there be a change in government in the general election.
Speaking at a forum on smooth and peaceful transition of power at a hotel in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Musa (pic) took issue with recent statements by both Umno Wanita chief Shahrizat Jalil and former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
Shahrizat had warned of a repeat of the May 13, 1969 racial riots during her policy speech at the Umno general assembly November last year, while Mahathir recently wrote on his blog that DAP supremo Lim Kit Siang would attempt to drive a wedge between the Chinese and the Malays in his campaign for Gelang Patah.
“As leaders, they should advise the people to be calm in selecting a government of their choice,” said Musa, who has been vocal in his opinions since his retirement. me, (the statements) are almost like sedition (menghasut),” he added.
He said that the police force had warned parties from making any statements that could stoke racial or religious tensions, and that they should take heed of this advice.
Police force criticised
He also took a dig at the police force for its lack of enforcement when such incidents occurred. “The police must take immediate action. Don’t just make statements. When people do something like that, you stay silent,” he chastened. Musa argued that the enforcement system would need an overhaul should there be a change of government in the May 5 election.
“For me, the most important thing that must be eradicated is bribery. All I would say is, if you want to do things in the same way that the current minister and government is doing, then there’s no point. If you want to change, change completely,” he said. Musa stressed that “change is necessary” for the force and also revealed he was “very concerned” about the current levels of crime in the country.
