Since 10th May when the Pakatan Harapan government was formed, I have been visited by a few concerned officers from PDRM. They have voiced out reforms needed for PDRM as a step to move forward and to rebuild PDRM’s dented image. I have thought through the issues highlighted by these officers and checked the validity of their concerns. I would like to point out certain important issues which I believe the Government of the day should address.
CORRUPTION ISSUES AFFECTING CERTAIN PDRM OFFICERS AND WAYS MOVING FORWARD
(i) Issues Revolving D7
There is a need to seriously look into revamping Division 7 or commonly known as “D7” in Bukit Aman. This is because there are many issues of alleged corrupt practices involving officers from D7. D7 is a unit meant to counter sexual vices, gambling and underground activities. It is no secret that there are many pubs where foreign girls are hired as “guest relation officers” to lure and entertain customers and illegal gambling dens in Malaysia. How can a division which specialises in countering these activities not know the existence of it? One cannot be blamed for throwing an allegation of corrupt practices involving D7 for failure to function according to its original scope of work.
Proposal:-
I propose that either D7 is abolished or a total revamp is carried out on the division. All officers in the police force are to be rotated to different divisions every 1 or 1 ½ years. Functions of D7, if abolished, can be undertaken by other divisions. If D7 is to be maintained, a total revamp is required, and the officers to be rotated. The above proposal, if looked into, will prevent the occasion of corrupt practices alleged against D7 or any other divisions. In fact, all the officers from all divisions must be rotated to prevent the familiarity with local “players” and the temptation of corruption.
(ii) Revisit The Certain Cases Affecting Certain Top Officers
It has come to public knowledge that a former IGP had allegedly admitted knowing one middle person who was involved in a major police protection racket for vices activities in Melaka. However, despite such admission, no action was taken by the authorities, be it MACC or PDRM. This issue has seriously damaged the reputation of PDRM.
Another top officer was allegedly said to have been involved in a fraudulent practice for funds which was supposedly allocated to assist the flood victims in a certain state some years ago. However, such allegation was not investigated by the relevant authorities. This particular top officer is said to be now eyeing at the position of the next IGP.
There are many other issues involving top officers but the above are just mere examples worthy to be highlighted.
Proposal:
It is time now to ask the MACC to look into not only the above examples but other complaints. Prosecute those culprits and strike fear to those would be ‘corrupt’ officers within PDRM. Clear the names of those who are innocent. When investigation and justice takes place, the publics’ faith and trust in the police force is restored. However, if such complaints are not looked into, the morale of good and untainted officers and rank and file personnel will be affected gravely. Jangan sebab nila setitik, rosak susu sebelanga!
(iii) Procurement of PDRM Assets and/or Stationery
I have been made to understand that PDRM oftentimes procure more assets than what would be required for them to carry out its function. For example, I have been made to understand that the PDRM has procured more motorbikes (powerbikes) than required. Why such a wastage unless there is an ulterior motive in such purchases?
Also, it is also very common that we will even have to at times purchase reams of papers for the police stations as they do not even have paper to print out police reports. What has the procurement department or division in Bukit Aman been doing?
The above are merely a tip of the iceberg examples affecting procurement of assets or other required items.
Proposal:
We have to relook into the whole procurement process at PDRM. Let no more wastages happen again. Contracts need to be reviewed and renegotiated if prices are above market rate. Any savings could be utilised to benefit the welfare of the PDRM officers and rank and file personnel.
I must stress that as the governing coalition, we must enforce all the relevant laws against recalcitrant PDRM officers or file and rank personnel. All officers who are involved in corrupt practices must go or be brought to books. At the same time, all clean and good PDRM officers or personnel must be accorded with basic rights. The contribution of these good officers must be acknowledged in our effort in rebuilding the nation again. It is not impossible. Let’s look into the reforms like what ICAC and the Hong Kong authorities did to reform the police force in Hong Kong in the 1960s. With political will and support from the honest officers in the force, we can reform PDRM and return honour to our Polis Di Raja Malaysia. Pakatan Harapan brings hope to the people, and definitely will bring hope to our PDRM.