The task of the police is when a criminal case is reported, they are duty bound to investigate the case. They cannot pick and choose what case to investigate. Their obligations to investigate crimes case and to protect national security and public safety is mentioned in the Police Act 1967.

Police also cannot say they have no power to investigate a crime unless reported. Their power to investigate criminal cases is the Criminal Procedure Code.

Again, we use to know why cases were never been prosecuted despite the fact that the suspect is known and in which we also know that there are evidence against him.

The simple reason is based on the quality of work of the investigation team and their capability to collect evidence. If they only put up a skeleton file, it would be definite that the public prosecutor may not be able to find enough evidence to charge the suspect.

That is, if there is no or not enough evidence collected by the police, the case will not be prosecuted in court.

If the investigation cannot show a prima facie case, the hands of the Attorney-General or public prosecutor are tied and he could not instruct the case to be prosecuted.

To prosecute the case would be a waste of time and public fund.

Now Dr. Akmal is under investigation for some criminal offences in connection with his speeches and actions in KK Mart Convenience Store Allah socks issues and in which we all are eager to know the outcome of the police investigations against him. We are waiting to know whether or not he would be prosecuted.

VOON LEE SHAN
President Parti Bumi Kenyalang

6 April 2024