Sabah not a ‘dumping ground’ for problematic cops, says Kitingan

KOTA KINABALU: The plan to transfer problematic policemen to Sabah and Sarawak is an irresponsible and insensitive move, says Datuk Seri Dr Jeffrey Kitingan.

Kitingan, who is Deputy Sabah Chief Minister, said it was unacceptable for the nine police officers to be transferred to the Borneo states as part of disciplinary action taken against them for allegedly extorting a businessman in Peninsular Malaysia.

The Sabah STAR president demanded that the police stop using the state as a “dumping ground” for their problematic officers.

“This must be rectified immediately. Sabah is already facing numerous security threats such as piracy, kidnappings and the presence of members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group,” he said in a statement here on Wednesday (Aug 3).

“This is simply wrong and unacceptable, even if it is part of their disciplinary procedures,” he added.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said he viewed the relocation of problematic officers to Sabah seriously as the police did not seek or consult with the state over the matter.

Saying he would seek a clarification from the police on the matter, Hajiji said he would ask the police to inform and discuss the matter with him first before executing such actions.

Selangor deputy police chief Deputy Comm Datuk S. Sasikala Devi had said the nine officers were transferred to several police stations and divisions in Sabah and Sarawak.

She said they had been placed in the states as investigations continue on their alleged involvement in an extortion case linked to a businessman in Gombak, Selangor.

Kitingan also questioned the rationality of allowing policemen to continue working while they are under criminal probe.

According to him, it was no secret that Sabah is a favourite destination for the country’s justice system to exile hardened criminals from other regions in Malaysia.

“Stop using Sabah and Sarawak as a dumping ground for Malaya’s problems,” he said.

Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS) Youth chief Christopher Mandut has also urged the state government to outright reject the transfer of problematic policemen into the state.

He said there was no room for undisciplined members of the enforcement authorities in Sabah.

Mandut reiterated that Sabah should not accept the transfer of these people and instead concentrate on fixing the undocumented migrant problem in the state.

“Let us keep our focus on our existing problems. We don’t need another headache,” he said.