ALOR GAJAH: There will be no cover-up when investigating any case involving the alleged abuse of power by members of the armed forces, says deputy defence minister Adly Zahari.
He said the defence ministry will consider all factors, including the separation of powers, to ensure that all investigations are conducted openly and transparently, Bernama reported.
Adly said the ministry has its own process and standard operating procedures in delivering justice to aggrieved parties, especially when it comes to the misuse of power by an officer, regardless of rank.
“We at the ministry do not deny receiving all reports, whether internal or external, including police reports. So, that is why internal level investigations are very important.
“If there is anything related to certain officials, we first set aside the authority of those officials so that the investigation can be carried out independently while the alleged victim can recover from the trauma,” he told reporters after attending an event in his Alor Gajah constituency today.
He was responding to a report on the alleged abuse of power and use of force by a senior army officer in Sarawak against another officer.
The armed forces was reported to have said a police report was lodged by the victim last Sunday, following the alleged incident which occurred during training. The report had gone viral on social media.
The armed forces added that the senior officer concerned has since been released from duty to allow a transparent and comprehensive investigation to be carried out.
