BOTH prominent figures and ordinary citizens have come forward to laud Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay’s latest warning to all top cops in the country to act against their errant subordinates.
Former international trade and industries minister Tan Sri Rafidah Aziz has deemed the warning is timely.
“It is so important that every sphere of the government organisational structure – both political and administrative – should adhere to the culture of discipline, responsibility and accountability which is ingrained with life’s key value of integrity,” she remarked.
“The government functionaries must be told that there is no tolerance for any misdemeanour or abuse of position of authority. All these must be inscribed in an oath of office for all functionaries.
“Only with integrity being the guidance can we have all office bearers in the government keep to the straight and narrow path in discharging their duties and functions, in their service for the nation and the rakyat.”
Former transport ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Ramon Navaratnam said the fact that the Prime Minister (PM) can openly criticise some civil servants for delaying decisions or Investment approvals indicates that all is not well with the quality and efficiency in the public service.
“Now, the Deputy IGP also urges his colleagues to report errant officers because the public and taxpayers have become frustrated that the government is not taking enough tough actions to improve the weakening delivery system with greater speed,” he said.
“The government, including the police, should avoid being seen as careless, indifferent or even lacking in the political will to lead in good governance!”
Indiscipline cannot be tolerated
Meanwhile, chairman of Alliance for a Safe Community Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye added that cases of indiscipline and wrongdoings in the force must be addressed seriously and swiftly.
“In this connection, police personnel in supervisory role must ensure their subordinates always uphold the good name and integrity of the force at all times,” he stressed.
Indeed, there are many good cops in the police force but often it is the few rotten apples that spoil their reputation. Philip Choo, a business entrepreneur, welcomes Ayob Khan’s stern warning to errant policemen, including their supervisors.
“We are looking forward to a more disciplined force,” he said. “If the police can remove the bad apples, I believe PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) will once again be respected by the people.”
Former Bernama journalist, Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah has a gem of thought to share with the police. She said that the police have an obligation to report their colleagues as this will uplift their integrity.
“They should speak up when they see a colleague do wrong,” she insisted. “Such a ruling would increase the level of public confidence towards the police.”
Retired corporate senior executive Georgina Wong said she has seen police roadblocks set up arbitrarily without the proper signage of ‘Stop (for) Police Inspection’.
“Two or sometimes up to three mobile patrol vehicles (MPVs) would park by the side of the road to set up in places which are so dangerous and causing traffic jam to the entire area,” she said.
“The MPVs are meant to do the patrol; instead, vehicles would set up a roadblock in housing estates to check on road tax, license of motorcyclists and look for people who use their mobile phone while driving. I wonder if they even have approvals from their superiors.”
Another concerned citizen Dexter Ng said the eradication of the bad cop syndrome has to start with the top leadership.
“In this case, the Deputy IGP needs the undying cooperation from foremost the PM himself, his Home Minister and like-minded Cabinet ministers,” he opined. “These political figures must not get stuck in the moving sands of half-hearted commitment.”
At the same time, Ng suggested that the taskforce set up by Ayob Khan must consist of personnel with the convictions to get things right for the police force.
“They must have a clean record and are people with a clear conscience,” he noted. “Just like a clean engine produces more power, the senior cops must first be clean.”
According to Ng, this is will be a long-drawn battle akin to dismantling at least 50% of a building structure to build a more magnificent building but the end result would be a more trusted police force that the country can be proud of. – Sept 28, 2023
Main pic credit: Reuters
