Two Former IGP Urge Probe Into Conspiracy To Topple Govt

By Ahmad Muliady Abdul Majid KUALA LUMPUR, July 21 (Bernama) -- Two former inspectors-general of police (IGP) have urged the police to investigate any party which tries to threaten the peace and security of the country, with intent to topple the government. The fifth IGP, Abdul Rahim Mohd Nor said the police should open investigation papers immediately because it was their responsibility to deal with parties trying to overthrow the government illegally, with total disregard for the country's laws. "The lawful means to change the government is through elections (general election) and any other way is considered wrong, in terms of the law and the Constitution," he said when contacted by Bernama Monday. The fourth IGP, Mohammed Hanif Omar, said it was not wrong for the opposition party to try to change the government, but it must be done in accordance with the law and the Constitution. Mohammed Hanif and Abdul Rahim were commenting on alleged attempts to topple the government by destabilising the country and jeopardising national security. It was reported that opposition leaders had met former PetroSaudi International executive Xavier Andre Justo to buy information from him to discredit the Malaysian Government. Abdul Rahim, however, disagreed with a proposal to set up a special investigation team for fear it would cause panic among the public. "What is important is to initiate investigations and I believe the police are doing so," he said. Mohammed Hanif said any attempt to change the government without following the law and the Constitution of the country was a big mistake, and at odds with Malaysia's position as a country with parliamentary democracy. "In this case, the duty of the police is to carry out investigations to determine whether the actions of the parties involved violate the law and the Constitution," he added. -- BERNAMA