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(Petaling Jaya, Saturday): Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi’s first meeting as Chairman of the Cabinet Task Force on the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police to provide immediate allocation of RM 2.5 billion from the EPF or pension funds to build 25,000 homes and offices of the police would not be opposed by any Malaysian. However his failure to announce how the government will implement other recommendations of the Commision’s Report is disappointing as it undermines public confidence towards his seriousness in reforming the police. The Royal Commission’s Report made 125 recommendations and even provided a time-frame when the recommendations have to be carried out and implemented. The first deadline for its recommendations is in June 2005 whereas the final one is by May 2010. 125 recommendations of the Royal Commission of Police
There are 5 recommendations to be implemented by June 2005 namely:-
The Royal Commission sets out these 5 recommendations for implementation by June 2005 precisely because it is easy to achieve. What is required is not RM 2.5 billion or detailed investigations of RM 34 million in assets accumulated by police officers but a change in mindset. Not a single cent is necessary to make crime reduction, eradication of corruption and compliance with prescribed laws and human rights as the top three reform priorities in the police service. Such a cultural shift in attitude is necessary to ensure that the community is as much a solution and a partner towards crime. Accordingly policing must be modernised requiring not just the community’s participation but also their co-operation. This requires that not only the people be treated with respect in accordance with their human rights but also that the police conduct themselves in a trustworthy transparent and accountable manner. For instance, there is an urgent need to establishing reasonable grounds before arrest by rejecting the “arrest first, investigate later” syndrome in the police force. This would remove many of the abuses of power and injustices prevalent in the police culture but more importantly work towards promoting a more professional police service. There is no logical or rational reason why the Prime Minister refuses to follow the timeframe set out by the Royal Commission. Any failure or delay would send the wrong message that the government lacks the political will to reform and adopt the Royal Commission’s recommendations. By adopting the above 5 recommendations by this month, the Prime Minister would have sent out a very important message that he is serious in reforming the police to turn it into an effective crime-fighting force that is people-friendly, efficient and trustworthy.
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