KUALA LUMPUR, April 22 — The National Patriots Association (Patriot) asked today for the police to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident where two men were allowed to search a police patrol car during the Rantau by-election.

This is so police personnel will not be intimidated out of performing their duties and morale is not harmed, said Patriot president Brig-Jen (Rtd) Datuk Mohamed Arshad.

“We urge the police to do a thorough investigation on the event before announcing any action be taken against the Negri Sembilan acting police chief (Mohamad Mat Yusop) or other police involved.

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“The main thing right now is for the police force to restore the confidence and morale of the police subordinates who have been affected by the events of April 13, so that they do not feel scared or suspicious in doing their jobs,” said the president.

This comes after the police released a statement saying disciplinary action may be taken against the acting police chief, and possibly the other personnel involved in allowing the two men to inspect the police patrol car for evidence of voter fraud.

Retired deputy police superintendent Mahamud Ahmad added that according to the rules governing the police officers on duty, the officer in charge during the Rantau affair was completely faultless.

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Mahamud said the officer is protected under Section 20(2) of the Police Act.

“Every police officer shall perform such duty, exercise such power or law imposed and shall obey lawful direction in the execution of duties received from his senior officer,” he explained.

Given that there was legal protection for the officer in charge, Mahamud then questioned the remarks made by the force’s leadership.

He said this suggested inefficiency on the part of senior officials such as Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, who said disciplinary action can be taken against the officers in Rantau for letting individuals prevent them from doing their jobs.