Home TA Online Hamzah, isn’t it an offence to take away government files?

Hamzah, isn’t it an offence to take away government files?

Isn't it the protocol that all files belonging to government ministries must not be removed when an official vacates public office?

Hamzah Zainudin - WIKIPEDIA

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Opposition leader Hamzah Zainudin’s revelation that he has “files” on government leaders from his time as home minister can either be brushed off as a political gimmick or be investigated as the insinuations are serious.

Ramkarpal, the deputy minister responsible for law and institutional reforms, was right in saying that Hamzah’s claim is serious and warrants attention. If I may add, it also warrants investigation.

Ramkarpal said the authorities could investigate the matter if a report was made to the police or Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission.

Hamzah should not throw stones and hide his hand! He should be brave enough to report whatever information he has in his possession to the relevant authorities. Failing this, he would stand accused of peddling unfounded insinuations for political expediency.

The current “unity government”, having committed itself to transparency, should have no qualms about such an official investigation, given its avowed stance against corruption, malpractices and wrongdoings.

The ball is in Hamzah’s court and he ought to have the courage to initiate action if he has any evidence of wrongdoing.

That said, it is puzzling how the former home minister is in possession of government files even after his tenure of service as home minister ended.

Isn’t it the protocol that all files belonging to government ministries must not be removed when an official vacates public office? Aren’t all official government files protected under the Official Secrets Act 1972?

If Hamzah took away files upon vacating his office as home minister, isn’t this in breach of the Official Secrets Act?

READ MORE:  Amending information disclosure laws vs national security

These questions are best left for the relevant authorities to address.

In all fairness, if there are genuine issues that need to be investigated, Hamzah must step up to the plate.

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K Veeriah
K Veeriah, a longtime Aliran contributor, has been a trade union industrial relations officer, involved mainly in collective bargaining and handling trade disputes, since 1978. He has also served as secretary of the Penang division of the Malaysian Trades Union Congress since 1991, after stints on the MTUC's national executive committee and general council
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Azizan Hj. Omar
Azizan Hj. Omar
19 Mar 2023 11.48am

The Opposition, during their tenure as the government, placed themselves above the law. So don’t question Hamzah on legality because even the government he served under was illegal.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he does indeed have such files in his possession as he belongs to that group of politicians who run for office to serve themselves instead of the people. They are such sore losers that they will do whatever it takes to regain power and continue to rape the nation.

Orang Kampung Ulu
Orang Kampung Ulu
22 Mar 2023 7.59am

Ah yo. These [people] do not only steal files.

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