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02 May 2012| last updated at 02:54PM

Give us room to investigate: IGP



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KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar asked the media and public to give the police room to investigate on the gathering at Dataran Merdeka, on Saturday.

He said many reports were received including about people being roughened up by police who were breaking up the gathering by opposition-backed non-government organisations after they ignored court order not to intrude into Dataran Merdeka.

He said policemen were also hurt while four police vehicles were damaged during the gathering.

"We are scrutinising numerous reports given to us. Do not easily jump to your own conclusion. This is because justice and police investigations take time," he said in a speech at a Meet the Media ceremony, here, today.   

On Saturday, police thwarted an attempt by participants of the gathering to intrude into Dataran Merdeka after they ignored the Magistrate's ban on public presence there on April 28 to May 1.    

The ban was issued after Kuala Lumpur City Hall did not allow the use of Dataran Merdeka for the gathering. 

Yesterday, Kuala Lumpur Police chief Datuk Mohmad Salleh said police detained a man in Negeri Sembilan to help in investigation under Section 440 of the Penal Code because there was treachery in connection with the incident at Dataran Merdeka on Saturday.

He said the media and public should not speculate and make conclusions until the investigation was completed while police welcome any report on the gathering including those who were roughened up by the police.

He gave his assurance detailed investigation would be carried out and all parties were asked to be patient because he did not want the image of the police to be tarnished just because of a few.    

He said there were still many policemen who carried out their duties professionally on the day of the gathering, he said.    

"In fact, the use of the water cannon and tear gas are the safest methods in the world in dispersing gatherings involving thousands of people," he said.     --BERNAMA

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