In a statement today, Puchong MP Gobind Singh said this was especially after the Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador had clearly said that it involved corruption.

“Hamid not only spoke openly of a cartel but also of corrupt practices within the police force.

“Is that an internal matter which the MACC thinks can be solved internally? The MACC must get involved as there were allegations of corruption,” the former communications and multimedia minister added.

Azam was reported to have said that the anti-graft agency had no intention to probe the “cartel” scandal as it was an internal problem among the police, and as such should be resolved internally.

Hamid had recently revealed that a group of younger police officers had formed a cartel to topple him and dominate the force for their personal benefit.

Gobind questioned if this stand by MACC meant that all other private or public departments should conduct internal probes on corruption cases involving their personnel as well.

“Why have others been dealt with differently, probed by the MACC and then charged in court? Shouldn’t they too just be dealt with internally?”

He said it was a question of law, adding that internal investigations were not sufficient as the case involved the police themselves.

“Perhaps Azam should take legal advice from the attorney-general. This is a matter of great public importance.

“If we really want to clean up the police force and strengthen it by dealing with problems like these, then let us start on the right footing in the right direction.”