Former Malaysian PM Mahathir stripped of police escort for attending anti-government rallies
Fresh from being sacked as the adviser of the national oil company Petronas in March, due to his persistent criticism of the government, Mahathir found himself last Thursday bereft of a privilege he enjoyed since he retired in October 2003
Malaysia’s police chief said on Wednesday that former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is no longer entitled to a traffic police escort because he attended “illegal” anti-government rallies.
Fresh from being sacked as the adviser of the national oil company Petronas in March, due to his persistent criticism of the government, Mahathir found himself last Thursday bereft of a privilege he enjoyed since he retired in October 2003.
“It is my decision to withdraw the outriders as he was attending illegal functions. It does not make sense for law enforcers to escort someone to an anti-government or an illegal rally,” Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar was quoted as saying by The Star online daily.
He said Mahathir could still request an escort service for official functions and such requests would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
He also added that the 90-year old statesman, who ruled the country for 22 years from 1982 to 2003, is still entitled to his bodyguard “for his personal safety”.
“I hope Tun Mahathir understands our position on the matter,” Khalid said.