Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar has given his assurance that private investigator P Balasubramaniam will get police protection if he feels that his life is under threat.

syed hamid albar 170608 talking “It is the duty of the police to protect everyone, including Balasubramanian, if their lives are in any way threatened,” Syed Hamid told a press conference in Kuala Lumpur, after launching the General Police Equipment Conference.

However, the minister said he does not have information as to whether such a threat exists. He reiterated that he can only ensure that the police will do their best to protect Balasubramaniam if he needs assistance.

Balasubramaniam stunned the nation when he signed a statutory declaration containing allegations that connect Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak - since denied - with the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu.

p balasubramaniam altantuya murder case private investigator Less than 24 hours later, the PI retracted the allegations and replaced the document with a new one. He and his family are reported to be ‘missing’.

Police today said the PI may have gone abroad . Police headquarters Bukit Aman had contacted Interpol and is monitoring entry and exit points.

Balasubramaniam’s nephew R Kumaresan said he believes that the family is being held against their will and that his uncle was forced to retract his first statutory declaration.

Media body under study

Syed Hamid also said his ministry is still studying the government’s proposal to set up a media regulatory body.

“The issue is still being discussed. There is no time frame as to when the matter will be finalised,” he said.

press freedom Journalists have opposed the establishment of any such body until there is repeal of the annual licensing provision of the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984.

The minister further commented on Sunday’s rally against the fuel price hike, calling it a big failure.

“(The organiser) said one million people would turn up but only 15,000 showed up,” claimed Syed Hamid.

protes fuel price hike rally mppj stadium 070708 He said the government has no problems with assemblies, provided that the organisers obtain a police permit.

“When you get arrested for taking part in an assembly that doesn’t have a permit, don’t lah be angry at the police,” he added.

Although the day-long rally at the Kelana Jaya stadium went on without a permit, the police kept a discreet distance from the venue. However, Special Branch officers were present inside and outside the stadium.