Cops say handphones were never allowed during house search
FMT Reporters | May 19, 2018
Police say only official photographers were allowed to take pictures.
UPDATED
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KUALA LUMPUR: Police say its personnel investigating former prime minister Najib Razak were never allowed to carry their mobile phones into any of the premises during searches.
Amar Singh, who heads Bukit Aman’s commercial crimes unit, said videos or photographs were only taken by the unit’s official photographers.
He made this statement after Najib’s wife Rosmah Mansor, complained pictures of handbags and other luxury items had gone viral on social media.
But Amar said more details were needed on allegations by Najib that his officers had demanded food during several raids in properties linked to Najib.
He also asked for the identities of the police personnel involved, if that was possible.
“Any insubordination and unprofessional conduct will be dealt with seriously,” he said in a statement today.
“I will not tolerate such unprofessional conduct and stern action shall be taken against the personnel concerned in contravention of our police standard operating procedure, if the allegations are found to be true,” he said.
Amar said a very senior officer was appointed as ground commander at each of the six premises that were simultaneously searched for investigations on the 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) issue.
He said he had reminded the commanders and those under them to conduct the searches professionally while according the utmost respect to the occupants.
Amar added that only the commanders and their deputies could carry handphones to be used for communication purposes.
“As such, the police urge the relevant parties to provide details of the leaked photographs, if any, to enable us to conduct an investigation to verify if in fact the viral photographs came from the police or otherwise, as there were family members and friends present during the search,” he said.
Earlier today, Rosmah issued a statement to complain about leaked photographs from police raids being shared on social media and demanded that the authorities follow the rule of law and due process.
She also criticised details of items allegedly confiscated being published on social media.
Her statement was issued as Najib complained that policemen had helped themselves to food and chocolates from the refrigerator at the home of one of their children.
On Friday police confiscated 284 handbags, some bearing the Hermes-Birkin brand, and 72 pieces of luggage containing cash and jewellery in an operation at three luxury apartments in Bukit Bintang.
Five Black Maria lorries were needed to cart away all the seized goods.
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