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We call on the Government to reconsider the decision to give firearms to non-police and non-army enforcement personnel, including enforcement officers in the Domestic Trade and consumer Affairs Ministry   Media Statement by Dr Tan Seng Giaw (Kuala Lumpur,  Sunday):  On 13 January, 2005, Yeoh Yew Jin, 19, was short by an enforcement officer from the ministry. The public is concerned. The Penang CPO wants to investigate the incident thoroughly. We hope he can produce a report as soon as possible so that the people will know the truth.  Tan Sri Bakri is right in saying that arming constables with truncheon and cannister of mace is part of a new emphasis by police to make sure that men on the ground only use absolute force when necessary (only draw their guns as a last resort). We hope he succeeds in doing so.   Recently the Home Minister Datuk Asme Khalid and the Domestic Trade Minister Datuk Shafei Apdal agree respectively to arm Rela and Domestic Trade enforcers to carry out their work. Their attitude is debatable. They have not indicated that they understand the implication of armed enforcers other than the police and the army. They have not shown that they have considered the matter deeply. They may have thought that giving their officers a brief training on firearms is more than enough.   Last year, we have told the Ministers in Parliament that allowing armed Rela members to arrest illegal labourers would create many problems including violence and shooting. Inadequate training, inadequate supervision and inadequate discipline and lack of tradition among armed enforcers make people worried. That is why the Government has to reconsider the decision to allow non-police and non-army enforcers to carry firearms. They can use truncheons and self-defence methods to do their work. If they face armed opposition, they can call on the police. (16/1/2005) * Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong