Former IGP: I'm just advising, not part of Pakatan

Former Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan clarified yesterday that he has not been officially appointed as the advisor for the Pakatan Rakyat Security Advisory Council.

Musa said that he verbally agreed to be an adviser and there was no official appointment. "I retain my neutrality. I am apolitical. I have no joined any political party," Musa told Astro Awani.

Asked if his actions meant that he now supported Pakatan, Musa said it should not be interpreted as such. "I am always willing to help. I've given lectures on invitation by some NGOs that are quite close to BN as well," he said.

Musa said that he was advising the council in his capacity as a former police chief as well as the patron of anti-crime group MyWatch.

Previously, it was reported that Musa joined the council upon invitation by retired army chief General Tan Sri Md Hashim Hussein, who is also the council’s chairman.

In a joint press statement, Md Hashim said the council is concern about the escalating political violence over the past few weeks.

“Because of these incidents, I met up with Tan Sri Musa Hassan and briefed him about the council. I am pleased to announce today that he has agreed to be our Council Advisor.

“As people who have spent a great part of our lives protecting and serving Malaysians to ensure peace and safety in our country, we wish to categorically state that political violence has no place in our democratic process,” he said adding that the elections must not only be free and fair; they must also be conducted peacefully and in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, Musa reportedly told reporters at a press conference here that he agreed to become the advisor because he was worried about the escalating political violence in light of the fast approaching 13th general election.