KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 24 — The allegation made by former Special Branch deputy director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador yesterday that “certain powers” were trying to hide witnesses involved in the SRC International probe is serious and must be investigated inmmediately, DAP lawmaker Gobind Singh Deo said today.

The Puchong MP urged newly appointed Attorney-General Tan Sri Apandi Ali and Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to clarify the damning allegation made by Abdul Hamid as he was a high ranking officer in the force.

“The Attorney-General and Inspector General of Police must speak up over allegations that there are efforts ‘by certain powers’ to hide the main witnesses involved in the SRC International probe.

“This comes from no ordinary policeman but one of high standing within the police force. It is a serious allegation,” Gobind said in a statement.

The DAP legal bureau chief said this allegation must be treated gravely as “it points towards obstruction of justice” which is a criminal offence under Section 186 of the Penal Code.

“Suppressing information or interfering with officers or witnesses in a criminal investigation is wrong. We cannot allow allegations like these to remain.

“They go to the root of it all. Silence in the light of such serious allegations would lead to a serious loss of confidence in our criminal justice system. It also makes it look toothless and hopeless,” Gobind said adding that a “full and open investigation” on the issue should commence immediately.

Those who commit an offence under Section 186 can be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months or with fine which may extend to one thousand ringgit or with both.

Abdul Hamid claimed yesterday that there were “invisible powers” behind his sudden transfer out of the police intelligence unit, and that Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had personally informed him of the decision.