We welcome constructive criticism, says IGP after Yusoff Rawther acquittal
KUALA LUMPUR: Bukit Aman acknowledges and respects the views expressed by various quarters following the High Court's decision to acquit Muhammed Yusoff Rawther of drug trafficking and firearms-related charges.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain ( pic ) said police were waiting the full written judgment to examine whether there were any gaps or weaknesses in the investigation into the case, which involved cannabis distribution and possession of two imitation firearms last year.
'We are open to reviewing the matter internally and are prepared to improve our investigative procedures, including a reassessment of our standard operating procedures (SOPs),' he said.
Razarudin said police welcomed constructive criticism and feedback, which he viewed as a sincere effort to uphold the principles of justice and human rights within the country's criminal justice system.
'Every police report, regardless of the profile of the individual involved, is investigated fairly and without prejudice. This applies to the Yusoff Rawther case as well.
"As per Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution, the decision to prosecute lies entirely with the Attorney General's Chambers,' he added.
Razarudin also addressed the initial police report filed by Yusoff on Sept 12 last year, which led to two investigation papers being opened—one related to the drug find, and the other concerning the imitation firearms.
He clarified that sufficient action was already taken at the early stage of the complaint.
"At the time, the police had submitted both investigation papers to the Attorney General's Chambers with a recommendation to charge Yusoff, and we were satisfied that the available evidence was sufficient to proceed without needing to interview other parties,' he said.
Razarudin reaffirmed the police's commitment to learning from court rulings, especially in cases where the outcome is not in favour of the prosecution.
'As with other past cases, we remain attentive to judicial decisions and continuously take proactive steps to improve investigative quality and optimise prosecutorial effectiveness,' he said.
On Thursday, the Kuala Lumpur High Court acquitted and discharged Yusoff after finding that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case against the 32-year-old former research assistant to Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim on both counts.
Justice Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin ruled that the prosecution did not present sufficient evidence to require Yusoff to enter his defence.
Yusoff was charged with trafficking 305g of cannabis, allegedly found in a vehicle he was travelling in near the surau at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters at about 10.15am on Sept 6 last year.
He also faced a second charge of possessing two imitation pistols near a condominium at Jalan Bukit Kiara at about 9.25am on the same day.
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