Guan Eng asks if police intel for BN’s eyes only

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 23 — The Penang government today queried why it was never given briefings by the police’s Special Branch intelligence division, an allegedly common practice when the state was under Barisan Nasional (BN) control.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he has never seen any reports from the Special Branch since Pakatan Rakyat (PR) took over the state’s administration in 2008, despite the regular scheduled meetings with the state police chief.

“Even though I hold monthly meetings of the State Public Order And Security Council chaired by me and attended by the State Chief Police Officer, only crime is discussed.

“There have (sic) been no feedback from the Special Branch and the state has no access to information about the performance of any elected representatives nor of any weak areas that need attention,” he said in a statement.

Last Saturday, former Penang state executive councillor (exco) Datuk Toh Kin Woon claimed that the Special Branch would provide the chief minister with reports on the performance and popularity of government representatives.

Testifying at Bersih’s People’s Tribunal, the three-term exco — who served up till the time PR took over in 2008 — said the information was always used to improve on each representative’s performance and help BN retain power.

“In advance, in the election, you already knew what you need to do,” Toh said, as quoted by news portal fz.com

Lim today said if that were the case, then the police have clearly discontinued the practice with PR in charge of the state.

The chief minister, however, said the state will continue to work with the police, especially on the state public order and security council, which he described as a “useful joint anti-crime effort” that has made Penang among the safest cities in Malaysia.

Lim said it was during these meetings that the council decided to install surveillance cameras and have private operators monitor the devices so as to free up policemen for street patrols, among others.

“Even though there are no reports or briefings from the Special Branch, the Penang state government will still continue with the monthly Public Order and Security Council meetings as it is a useful platform  to harness all resources and collaborate with all agencies and parties to fight crime,” he said.