Statement 
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice-Chairman and MP for Kepong 
on 10.6.2002

We propose that the Home Ministry allocate at least RM50 million initially to train police on how to advise and help the public instead of issuing notices, or, in some cases, indulging in under-the-table arrangements (UTTA)

Our country needs police to maintain order and law, including orderly traffic and advising people to obey the laws. Many policemen are dedicated. But, some break the laws such as going for irregularities.

It is common to see the police setting up check points or road blocks to check on people or vehicles. The honest ones issue notices for offenders. The dishonest ones go for UTTA.

The Home Ministry must review various police actions to see if they follow procedures or educate the pubic or issue notices or indulge in UTTA. The ministry is responsible for telling the people the types of things requiring police checks: vehicles, licenses, speed offenders, illegal racers and so forth.

Yesterday, we quoted the Elite Highway from Subang Jaya to KLIA. There are different speed limits at different points. Soon after the Toll Plaza near Subang Jaya, we don¡¯t know why the speed has been limited to 90 Km per hour for a short stretch, then back to RM110. Some police use this opportunity to take action such as by having a checkpoint over 10 km from that stretch, saying that certain motorists have exceeded the limit, doing 116 km. Some policemen vacillate. Motorists, who are in a hurry, may go for UTTA.

RM50 MILLION

This year, the allocation for Home Ministry is RM4.4 billion, out of which RM2.263 billion are for the police. The ministry must look after them.

But, the ways the police deal with traffic offenders and summonses have inconvenienced many. True, offenders must pay. On the other hand, policemen and women can advise and educate. They must improve the procedures and criteria for action, avoiding unnecessary inconvenience to the public. Only when there are no other ways, can they go for notices or other types of action.

We propose that the ministry put aside at least RM50 million initially to train the police specially to handle law-breakers including speed offenders. One of the courses should be on how to advise or educate the people to abide by the laws and, for a small number of police, to prevent UTTA.