Media Statement Dr. Tan Seng Giaw in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, 22^nd March 2008: 

Review implementation of all 125 recommendations of the Royal Commission on Police 

I call on the Government to review the full implementation of the 125 recommendations of The Royal Commission to enhance the operation and management of the Royal Malaysia Police, including the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). There are still 18% of the recommendations which are not implemented.

Hitherto, the police have implemented many of the above-stated recommendations, such as review of the service scheme, promotions and salaries.

On 22.3.2008, I comment on the statement of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan that on 25th inst, 201st Police Day, the motto and badge of the police would be changed.

The current police motto of Mesra, Cepat dan Betul will be changed to Tegas, Adil dan Berhemah. This may signify the urshering in of a new police era. The badge 'Integriti Amalan Kita' differs from 'Anti-rasuah'. In 2005, the Royal Commission recommended the motto 'Mesra, Cekap dan Beramanah'. Clearly, the police have no intention of accepting this motto.

Whether the badge is 'Anti-Corruption' or 'Integrity is Our Practice’, the pronunciation is different, but the content is similar. Some policemen are clean, but a few are not. We encourage police personnel who are clean and efficient.

On 30.8.2006, the National Security Ministry (now, it is merged into the original Home Affairs Ministry) replied to our parliamentary question that 101 of the recommendations were implemented, that was 81%, 18 or 14% were being considered and 6 or 5% would not be implemented. On 29.3.2007, the police said it had implemented 102 recommendations, i.e. 82%. 23 or 18% were under consideration.
The Royal Commission has set a timetable, from August 2005 to May 2008. for the full implementation of the 125 recommendations. Now, there are remaining 18%, including IPCMC.

The police oppose IPCMC. One reason is that it is meant only for the police, but not others such as the transport department and customs. In countries like Australia and U.K., ombudsmen for all departments have been set up. But, they have found this ineffective. They have formed an independent commission only for the police to deal with complaints and misconduct.

---

* Dr. Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong