Lee Lam Thye: Police anti-corruption plan timely, but execution is key

KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police Anti-Corruption Plan is timely but must be implemented successfully, says the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice-chairman.

Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic) said the anti-corruption plan is welcome as it is very much needed to ensure the police serve with integrity.

"Having a plan is one thing, but the most important thing is its implementation, as well as constant review and monitoring.

"Once the plan is in place, the police will under public scrutiny on whether the plan is implemented successfully or otherwise," he said when contacted on Friday (Nov 27).

The anti-corruption plan was launched by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador on Thursday (Nov 26).

Lee said the plan would make a difference in boosting the public image of the police force and the public’s confidence in it.

"We feel that this plan is much needed, especially after recent reports of some police officers and personnel being involved in malpractices and other offences.

"We believe the police are fully aware of such problems, and introducing this anti-corruption plan is a step in the right direction," he added.

MCPF will always give its full support to a police force which can act without fear or favour, as well as one that would serve and work with integrity, Lee said.

While it is expected that police personnel serve with integrity, he urged the government to always look into the needs of the men and women in blue, in terms of housing, allowances and fair opportunities for promotion.

In launching the anti-corruption plan, the IGP said it will chart the right path for the police force towards regaining the people’s trust in its credibility as the nation’s main law enforcement agency.

He said the police force has always ensured that its members reject corruption.

Strict action, including termination of service based on Regulation 49 of the Public Officer Regulations 1993, has been taken against those involved in crimes, corruption as well as serious and habitual misconduct, he added.

Abdul Hamid added that it could not be denied that the police force not only has a negative perception in society, its image has also been tarnished by the arrests of its personnel and officers for drug and criminal offences as well as corruption.

“It saddens me that the police force is being ridiculed by society due to the actions of a few personnel and officers who are selfish and lacking in dignity.

“However, the anti-corruption plan, which will run until 2024, will help improve the police force’s service and image, ” he said.