Earlier today, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar announced that Mahathir would no longer be escorted by police outriders to any future events such as the Bersih rally, the anti-GST rally or on his numerous signature drives for the Citizens’ Declaration, as these were considered unlawful and a breach of the Federal Constitution.
Surendran however argued it was no concern of the IGP what events Mahathir chose to attend as it was his democratic right to go where he chose to.
The escorts, the Padang Serai lawmaker added, were provided in view of Mahathir’s status as the country’s former prime minister and for his safety.
“It (outriders) cannot be withdrawn simply because Mahathir attended anti-government events,” he said in a statement, adding that the IGP’s claim that the events attended by Mahathir contravened the Federal Constitution was without any basis.
He also wondered how such events breached the Federal Constitution.
Surendran, who is also the founder for Lawyers for Liberty (LFL), urged the IGP to act in the interests of the nation and said he must be “scrupulously neutral” in all ongoing political disputes and refrain from expressing opinions about the Citizens’ Declaration or related matters.
“This kind of criticism (the Citizens’ Declaration) is allowed, and even encouraged by the Federal Constitution.
“As a public servant, the IGP must exercise his power according to law and established legal principles. As he has taken into account irrelevant considerations in withdrawing the police escort, that exercise of power is vitiated,” Surendran said.
He demanded the IGP restore Mahathir’s police escorts as it was the top cop’s only option to stay within the confines of the law.
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