Kota Kinabalu: Alliance For A Safe Community Chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the police force has to walk the extra mile and put in more effort to enhance its roles as law enforcers and maintainers of public peace.
He said while the police top leadership are committed to restoring the force’s integrity, restoring their public image and discharging their duties professionally while addressing new challenges like cybercrime and transnational organised crime, the real test lies in implementing the principles they outlined.
“Corruption within the Malaysian police force is not a new phenomenon. It has roots that stretch back decades, often intertwined with political interference, bureaucratic red tape, and a lack of transparency.
“This has allowed a culture of impunity to fester, enabling rogue officers to exploit their positions for personal gain,” he said in a statement, here, Sunday.
He said one of the most troubling aspects of corruption within the Malaysian police force is its alleged connection with criminal syndicates and the underworld.
“Reports and investigations have suggested that some officers have cultivated dubious relationships with organized crime, turning a blind eye to illegal activities in exchange for financial gain and protection.
“Corruption within the police force has far-reaching consequences for Malaysian society. It impedes the fight against crime, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.
“Furthermore, it hampers economic growth and foreign investment by creating an environment of insecurity and unpredictability,” he said.
He said there are also allegations of abuse of power, political interference, and a lack of accountability.
“It is incumbent upon the police force to take concrete measures to ensure integrity, transparency and accountability among its ranks.
“They have now to walk the extra mile and put in more effort to improve further. This may involve reforms in training, recruitment and internal oversight mechanisms.
“Their soft skills must be enhanced to ensure better interaction with the community. They must be better trained and equipped to deal with cybercrimes and commercial scams.
They must be trained to move a step ahead of scammers and cyber criminals.
“Police chiefs and their personnel must strengthen their relationship with the people, engage with them and adopt whatever practical ideas to fight crime. This will help to alleviate their fear of crime.
“Having the right people to lead the force is one thing but the challenge is to ensure the rest of the police personnel fully respond to the aspirations of the leadership,” he said.
