In a statement, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said the human rights organisation was “appalled” that Khalid was now being “rewarded” with the position in addition to his appointment as a special envoy to the government.
“With his questionable track record and the human rights violations perpetrated under his tenure, his appointment to this portfolio will undoubtedly be perceived as a reward by the government and further damage the Malaysian government’s credibility,” he said.
Khalid retired as inspector-general of police on Monday, after serving with the force for over 40 years.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Najib Razak announced Khalid’s appointment as the new chairman of Prasarana and as a special envoy for the purpose of boosting cooperation between Malaysia and the international community in combating terrorism, extremism and human trafficking.
Najib said the post was given in view of Khalid’s wide experience and good relations with international agencies in tackling these problems during his tenure as inspector-general of police.
However, Sevan said during Khalid’s term as top cop, Malaysia had in fact witnessed a decline in terms of human rights.
“During his tenure, human rights defenders, activists and political opponents of Barisan Nasional were subjected arbitrary detention and arrest with a historic regression where activists and political opponents of the government were detained without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012.
“The Prevention of Crime Act 1959 was also abused to arrest and detain a known whistleblower on misconduct and corruption within the police ranks,” he said.
He said Khalid was also known to threaten human rights activists and lawyers on social media, and that it was common for him to denounce comments made by activists and internet users as “seditious”.
“He was also known to make unilateral declarations that certain events are illegal with unsubstantiated allegations.
“In less than five years, Suaram documented more than 200 cases under the Sedition Act 1948 and more than 300 cases under the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.”
Sevan said while Khalid was Selangor police chief, deaths in custody continued to plague Malaysia while the widespread and systematic use of torture and the death of detainees was met with silence and “falsehoods” from the police.
“Recommendations by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) were also disregarded by Khalid.”
Similarly, Sevan said Khalid had repeatedly failed to answer allegations concerning his family’s involvement in the sale of firearms.
Other issues included the failure to locate and return the children of Indira Gandhi despite court orders, the failure to account for the investigation into 1MDB, the failure to address the matter of enforced disappearances, the failure to curb political violence and the failure to improve the police force with regards to human rights and the rule of law.