Responding to an audio recording of a man said to be a minister talking about a reshuffle in the police force, Pejuang said the IGP should be allowed to carry out his duties with integrity.

“Proactive steps must be taken to ensure that the integrity of the police force remains intact, particularly when the police are like a shield that protects the community,” the political party said.

In a statement, Pejuang said Section 15 of the Police Act 1967 (Act 344) does not allow for the retirement or resignation of police officers during an emergency.

“The provision clearly requires the services of the IGP as well as other police officers to continue.”

Pejuang’s concerns on political interference in the police force comes after an audio recording, purportedly of home minister Hamzah Zainudin talking about promotions and the change of roles in the police force, went viral.

“We take this opportunity to remind the government to obey and respect the rule of law and not to use its political power for the wrong reasons,” it said.

In the recording, which was posted on several blogs, a man can be heard discussing giving a Perakian a promotion, plausibly for a police role.

The man was also heard saying that another person should no longer decide on the appointment of state police chiefs but could only nominate five names.