PAS central committee member Mohd Zuhdi Marsuki said that much of what former inspector-general of police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador had said was a “bitter pill to swallow”.

It was also in line with the party’s stand.

“If the criticisms are for the sake of the country, even if they are harsh, they must be considered,” he said in a statement today.

According to Zuhdi, the technocratic government model mooted by PAS called for professional governance to avoid politicking.

He added that the “Malaysia Sejahtera” (Prosperous Malaysia) manifesto of Gagasan Sejahtera, the now defunct PAS pact with Parti Ikatan Bangsa Malaysia, had stressed on separating powers between the legislative, judiciary and executive branches.

Zuhdi also said accepting Hamid’s criticisms required unanimous support from both government and opposition parties.

This is because it would involve amending Article 140 of the Federal Constitution, which allows the home minister to lead the Police Force Commission (SPP).

“I doubt the parties under Pakatan Harapan would have the political will to amend Article 140, because during the 22 months they were in power, they never addressed the need to amend it.”

However, he said if the opposition could be convinced to lower the voting age to 18, they might also cooperate in improving the SPP.

Last Friday, Hamid had accused home minister Hamzah Zainudin of interfering in police matters and “pushing for power” to determine where certain police officers should be placed.

On Monday, PAS Dewan Ulama information chief Mohd Nor Hamzah questioned why Hamid did not act on the political interference earlier.

He also accused Hamid of making allegations against Hamzah without going through the proper channels.

In response, Hamid said there was no point in acquiring religious knowledge if it is not used to help correct wrongdoing, including political interference in the police force.