KUALA LUMPUR (Nov 5): Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail has been called upon to clarify Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain's transfer back to the police force.
One of Shuhaily's lawyers, Rafique Rashid, said that Saifuddin had openly stated that Shuhaily would be back with the police force, but the ex-Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department chief was still chairing AKPS meetings.
"Shuhaily has yet to receive any instructions or letters. You cannot tell the public one thing [but in practice it is different]. There is a lot of speculation," he said when approached by the press.
Rafique, who was in court for another case, also added that as his client has not been proven guilty, he is free to carry out his official duties.
Last week, Saifuddin said that the ministry had decided to end Shuhaily's secondment and return him to the police force, with eight months remaining in his term.
However, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said Shuhaily’s appointment could only be ended early with the consent of the King, Sultan Ibrahim Sultan Iskandar, as Shuhaily is a police cadre officer. The police are awaiting legal advice from the Attorney General's Chambers before seeking the King's consent.
Shuhaily was charged on Oct 21 with two counts of voluntarily causing hurt to two lower-ranking police officers.
He has claimed trial. If found guilty, he faces punishment of up to one-year imprisonment, or a maximum RM2,000 fine, or both.
The charge came after a viral CCTV footage showed Shuhaily allegedly reprimanding individuals at KLIA Terminal 1. Addressing the matter later, Shuhaily said that he was ready to face any outcome following the leaked footage.
The two officers — Mohamad Faiz Saman, 40, and Muhammad Ekmal Sofwan, 25 — have also filed a separate civil suit against Shuhaily for assault and battery.