Musa, who was IGP from 2006 to 2010, said that some politicians issued instructions directly to his officers without his knowledge – adding that this could result in the police force losing its bite.

“During my time, there were politicians who told the police to free their gangs, and there were also those who gave instructions to state police chiefs without my knowledge,” he said.

“This political interference affected our operations and disrupted our investigations,” he told Mingguan Malaysia.

Musa’s comments come in the wake of allegations that home minister Hamzah Zainudin as chairman of the Police Force Commission sought to determine where police officers will be placed.

Asked if the commission should be chaired by individuals other than ministers, Musa said that the Federal Constitution must first be amended.

“But keep in mind, no party has the absolute authority when it comes to the transfer and appointment of police officers. The SPP chairman can give the IGP the power to appoint or change any police officer if necessary,” he said.