KUCHING: Sarawak police have assured that all investigations will be carried out fairly, equitably and with full dedication to ensure justice is upheld.
This is in line with the role and responsibility of the police to maintain peace and security in the community.
Sarawak Deputy Police Commissioner (DCP) Datuk Mancha Ata said this in response to a statement made by Sarikei MP Andrew Wong expressing dissatisfaction with the police in arresting a thief and their investigation methods, which was published in a local daily on Saturday (June 11).
Police had received a report pertaining to an office burglary at Jalan Wharf, Sarikei on May 25 this year. An investigation paper was subsequently opened under Section 457 of the Penal Code.
“On the same day, police managed to arrest a 29-year-old man and confiscated 104 various types of Buddhist amulet pendants, a silver chain, four pieces of Buddhist amulet cards.
“After the investigation was completed and all the evidence obtained, the investigation paper was referred to the state prosecutor with a proposal to charge the suspect under Section 457 of the Penal Code.
“However, in accordance with provisions under Article 145 (3) of the Federal Constitution, the state prosecutor decided to prosecute the suspect under Section 411 of the Penal Code for possession of stolen goods,” he said.
Mancha stated that police believe that the decision to charge under Section 411 of the Penal Code was made based on the evidence and due consideration.
Hence, it is not fair for any party to dispute it as all of the evidence has already been presented in court.
“In this case, the suspect has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to eight months in jail from the date of arrest. The suspect is currently serving the sentence in Sibu prison.
“The decision of the court in this case, should also not be disputed because there are certain processes and channels which can be used if any party is not satisfied with the decision,” he said.
Mancha pointed out that claims that the police did not conduct a thorough to an extent that they could not find all the missing items, are baseless, malicious and deliberately seek to tarnish the image and credibility of the police.
