GEORGE TOWN – Authorities should conduct a thorough investigation based on full facts into the viral video incident involving Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) Director-General Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain rather than rushing to judgment, MCA Youth said today.
MCA National Youth Vice Chairman Tan Yang Pang stated that one controversial incident should not completely overshadow ongoing organizational reform efforts.
Tan said Mohd Shuhaily had acknowledged that he was not perfect, expressed his willingness to confront his shortcomings and stated that he would accept whatever decision was made by the relevant authorities.
“He has also openly said that if driving change requires him to face consequences, he is prepared to bear that responsibility,” he said in a statement.
Earlier Mohd Shuhaily said he had informed the highest levels of government and the Home Ministry about the incident and would accept whatever decision was made.
He also said he was prepared to leave the matter to the authorities to investigate, while stressing that AKPS would cooperate fully with the investigation.
Tan said such willingness to face scrutiny and take responsibility for his leadership approach deserves to be considered objectively.
He said for a law enforcement agency to genuinely reform, systems and technology alone are not enough, but also required internal discipline, effective execution and a leadership culture that is willing to address problems.
“MCA Youth does not condone inappropriate forms of communication, and leaders also have a responsibility to constantly reflect on and improve their management approaches.
“However, one controversial incident cannot be allowed to completely overshadow efforts to drive change, nor can those responsible for enforcing discipline and raising standards be deterred from acting simply because of public backlash,” he said.
Tan said the priority is to allow the investigation to proceed according to due process.
“If wrongdoing is established, appropriate action can then be taken in accordance with the relevant procedures, where improvements are identified as necessary, they can likewise be implemented.
“At the same time, the full background and circumstances surrounding the incident need to be properly established before any conclusions are drawn,” he said.
Tan added reform in public institutions cannot be achieved through slogans alone, as it required confronting outdated practices, internal cultures and, at times, resistance to change.
He said those who drive reform must be prepared to face scrutiny, while the people also deserve to see the facts established and due process allowed to run its course.
The controversy began after a video went viral showing an individual resembling Mohd Shuhaily appearing to reprimand another person at KLIA.
In the video, the individual’s head was also seen being held in what appeared to be a forceful manner.
A copy of an allegation by an individual claiming to have been treated roughly by Mohd Shuhaily also circulated online.
According to Sinar Harian, Mohd Shuhaily explained that the incident happened while he and AKPS officers were carrying out enforcement activities on the fifth floor of KLIA.
The operation was conducted during a preparation inspection ahead of the expected arrival of visitors for this weekend’s Formula 1 race.
He said the enforcement operation also followed complaints about foreigner-run tout syndicates, as well as an increase in the discovery of drugs and contraband at the baggage inspection area.
During the operation, a foreign national believed to be involved in a tout syndicate was detained and taken to the baggage inspection room.
Two police reports were subsequently lodged against Mohd Shuhaily on September 29 and Thursday, while AKPS lodged its own report over the circulation of the footage and concerns that it could tarnish the agency’s image. -MalayaDailyToday
