KUCHING: State Commissioner of Police (CP) Datuk Seri Sabtu Osman has hit out at irresponsible netizens for labelling him as ‘Orang Malaya’ and the call for his post to be replaced with a Sarawakian who knows the state’s history.
The anger among netizens stemmed from a statement issued by the police on July 14 to disallow Sarawak Dayak Iban Association (Sadia) to hold a street parade to mark the state’s independence on July 22.
“Calling me ‘Orang Malaya’ is really uncalled for as I am serving my duties as a Malaysian. All this should stop,” Sabtu told reporters during the presentation of Hari Raya goodies to police personnel at Kuching Police District headquarters on Friday.
He said everyone was well aware that July 22 is Sarawak’s Independence Day and the police had no qualms for the people to organise a peaceful gathering to observe the historic date.
The police, he added, were only disallowing the street parade as it would affect the business community along the proposed 3.5km-route and also to avoid any untoward incidence that might be started by the revellers.
He said the police could not totally verify who would be taking part in the parade as the participants could be made up of gangsters or members of the opposition parties taking advantage of the parade to instigate the people and raise negative issues.
“What are the real motives behind the parade? We cannot approve all applications for a parade. We have to carefully study and make sure that such as event will not be used for something else outside the stated objectives otherwise the police will have to take action,” he added.
Verifying dubious objectives of an event, he said, was the job of the police and labelling them as practising double standards and throwing baseless allegations at them were totally uncalled for.
“I am already 58 years old and I have 40 years of experience in the force. I know how to valuate, read between the lines and comprehend what might happen (from the parade).”
He also told the people to understand the roles of the police which was to ensure their safety.
Meanwhile, the event on Friday was also joined by Kuching District Police chief ACP Roslan Bek, was meant to distribute Hari Raya goodies to personnel on duty during the celebration.
“This is part of police tradition on the eve or on the first day of Hari Raya, to show our appreciation to those who are working regardless of their race,” said Sabtu.
The presentation of the goodies, he said, would be carried out at all 28 district headquarters, police stations and also those under the General Operations Force, Police Marine and Air Units.-Borneo Post
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