I refer to the Malaysiakini report Cops rapped over 'incredible' excuse .

The arrest of Anwar Ibrahim at 1pm, one hour ahead of the given deadline of 2pm by the police is uncalled for.

It does not only reflect the lack of professionalism in the way police handled a sensitive issue like this, but it also appears to be a clear case of abuse of power.

Notwithstanding who was behind the decision, politically-influenced or otherwise, the police should have at least waited until 2pm before arresting Anwar. Why the hurry to pick him up?

From media reports, it clearly shows that it only took 15 minutes to ferry Anwar from his house in Bukit Segambut to the police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur (IPK KL). Even on a busy day, it may only take 30 minutes to an hour to reach the IPK.

Even if Anwar was late by 10 minutes due to heavy traffic jams caused by the police themselves or a lack of their presence, what’s the big deal? Malaysians are used to arriving for appointments late by even half-an-hour, including some cabinet ministers.

The next time you are late for an appointment in Kuala Lumpur because of heavy traffic, try to call the traffic police department for help. See if they not tell you, ‘Traffic jams are part of life in Kuala Lumpur’. Would they send their men to help direct the traffic?

In my opinion, the explanation given by the police is far from plausible. As members of the public, we would like to know on what basis the police suspected that Anwar Ibrahim was planning to defy the 2pm ultimatum.

They could have at least waited in front of Anwar’s house and arrested him at 2pm. Anything short of that is clearly uncalled for and the officer who issued the instruction should face the music for defying his own ultimatum.

The public is definitely wondering why all the rush to arrest Anwar? For this sodomy case, the police took Anwar in by force; in the other case involving a deputy prime minister, no investigation is being carried out even after statutory declarations were issued.

One of the accusers has apparently gone into hiding, while the other accuser is being charged for making his allegations, instead of an investigation being done to establish the truth of the matter over such a serious allegation.

In another recent development, the police set up major roadblocks in the city. It left a few hundred thousand motorists fuming and cursing because the police themselves were the cause of the massive traffic jams.

Under such circumstances, I am sure many motorists had to miss their appointments or turn up late, not taking into consideration the thousands of litres of petrol being burnt. What explanation can the police give to the general public?

Neither is the present prime minister listening to the people’s grouses about power abuses within the police force. The Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) is taking so long to be set up that one wonders whether it will ever be set up at all.

The public is watching the way how the police is acting and in many incidents, it is not difficult to see through the drama ( sandiwara ) created for a specific intention.

Where are we headed to?