‘Strengthening our English doesn’t mean forsaking BM’

KUALA LUMPUR: The national language will not be sacrificed in the move by Bukit Aman to focus on strengthening the use of English among its officers and personnel, said the Inspector-General of Police.

Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the focus on strengthening the police force’s command of English did not mean that it was forsaking Bahasa Malaysia.

“Some groups have protested, alleging that the police force is sacrificing the use of the national language.

“This could not be further from the truth,” he told reporters after attending the Bukit Aman monthly assembly yesterday.

It was reported that the police were aiming at putting a full stop to the “moderate at best” standard of English in the force.

The order to polish up their language skills went out recently with intensive courses starting last month, covering senior police officers, including OCPDs.

This follows a recent directive by Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad for senior civil servants to master the language.

On another matter, Mohamad Fuzi said 149 policemen were detained by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) last year.

“In 2016, 179 personnel were detained by the anti-graft body. Despite the slight reduction, the negative perception against the police force still persists.

“Enough is enough. We will curb this problem, especially offences committed by frontliners, including traffic police personnel, investigators as well as those tasked at busting illegal gambling and vice,” he said.

Of the 149 detained by MACC, the least number of personnel were from the Special Branch Depart­ment, he added.

“Sadly, those detained were from several other departments within the force.

“We will not compromise in taking action against errant police officers and personnel. In fact, several OCPDs and police chiefs have been transferred over their lack of action in curbing illegal gambling recently,” he said.

The Bukit Aman Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) would spearhead efforts to clean up the police force, said Mohamad Fuzi.

“Those under investigation for any offence will face further action beyond being transferred.

“We will study the merit of each case before deciding on the appropriate action to be taken,” he said.

Earlier, in his monthly address, the country’s top cop said 2,535 personnel were found to be involved in various drug offences between 2010 and 2017, including 2,000 for consumption, 332 for possession and 132 for trafficking.

He added that action had also been taken against 1,519 personnel last year over multiple disciplinary infringements.