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Groups mixed over cop’s death

Wednesday, 13 June 2012 09:29am

©Malay Mail (Used by permission)
by T.K. Letchumy Tamboo

THE death of traffic policeman Cpl Mustaghni Tabri, 48, who was struck by an object allegedly hurled by a colleague at an escaping Mat Rempit in an operation in Klang on June 3, has received mixed reaction from civil liberty groups.

Suhakam commissioner Muhammad Shaani Abdullah said the alleged act was a blatant disregard of the standard operating procedure (SOP).

“I have no idea why they choose to disregard the SOP,” he said.

“As law enforcers, police have no power beyond reasonable need. They can arrest, they can chase, but they should not throw things. The thing is, some policemen think they can do whatever they want.”

Shaani said accountability was crucial in Mustaghni’s death.

Suaram president K. Arumugam said the cop who allegedly caused his colleague’s death should not be blamed as there was “immense” public pressure to tackle the Mat Rempit menace.

“The issue has been ongoing for some time and there is immense pressure from the public for police to tackle it.

“In this instance, where the death of traffic policeman Cpl Mustaghni Tabri was not due to Mat Rempit, as initially suspected, but cops who flouted the SOP, we could not really blame the cops.

“The police are trying to do something about the Mat Rempit phenomena, but more often than not, they escaped.

"In this particular incident, the cops may have lost their patience. This should not be about blaming the cops. They are trying to balance between doing their jobs and handling pressure from the public.

“I can only be sympathetic to them.”

He said what was needed was a comprehensive system or mechanism to curb the Mat Rempit menace.

“Come up with a comprehensive mechanism, and maybe then, police can work towards catching these Mat Rempit efficiently.”

The revelation that Mustaghni was hit by an object allegedly flung by a colleague in trying to stop a suspected illegal racer had caused concern among the force and public.

His death has been classified as murder and a police officer is now in custody.

Four others, who were earlier detained, had been released.

In March, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar admitted throwing objects at Mat Rempit or any traffic offender was not in the SOP.

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