Hishammuddin avoids talking about new IGP and the ‘third force’

By Neville Spykerman KUALA LUMPUR, April 1 — Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein today refused to answer direct questions about the new national police chief and whether he was the “third force” that allegedly interfered with the Police.
Instead the Home Minister accused Lim Kit Siang of deliberately trying to sow discord between him and. Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.
“Previously you tried to stir controversy between the prime minister and his deputy, now you are trying to do it with the IGP and me.”Hishammuddin said when winding up the Royal Address.
Last month the IGP alleged there was a plot by a, still unidentified, third force interfering in the force and trying to remove him from his job.
Hishammuddin also struggled to explain his statement that he already knew who would replace the IGP and other senior officers who are due for retirement.Hishamuddin (right) accused Lim Kit Siang of sowing discord between him and thhe IGP (left) . - Picture by Choo Choy MayHishammuddin also struggled to explain his statement that he already knew who would replace the IGP and other senior officers who are due for retirement.
However Lim pointed out it was for the Police Force Commission to make recommendations on who would replace the IGP and senior officers, but Hishammuddin had stated he already knew who would be appointed.
“Is it your prerogative or the prerogative of the Police Force Commission to appoint?” asked Lim.
He also asked if a meeting had been called by the Police Force Commission to discuss the appointments.
However Hishammuddin again accused Lim of manipulating the issue.
He explained it was a fact the police officers, including the IGP, would be retiring and what he meant was that he knew which officers would be elevated to replace them, based on their seniority.