PETALING JAYA: Wanita MCA calls for stern action against any police personnel involved in the alleged Miri lockup rape incident and roadblock sexual harassment to uphold the police force’s image.
Its chief Datuk Heng Seai Kie said it was vital to deter power abuse as the police force is a noble institution that is entrusted with protecting the people as well as safeguarding the security of the general public.
“The reputation of the police has taken a beating in recent days due to two main incidents such as alleged sexual harassment during police roadblocks and the purported rape of a 16-year-old female detainee by a male inmate in a lockup at Miri central police station in Sarawak on Jan 9.
“Having attracted widespread attention, if these two incidents are not handled properly and immediately, there are concerns that the integrity and image of the entire police force will be jeopardised.
“As the Malay saying goes, ‘one drop of ink destroys the whole bowl of milk’, the misconduct by a handful of police officers may smudge the good reputation of the police force despite their every sacrifice for society and the nation, ” she said in a statement Wednesday (Feb 17).
Stressing that Wanita MCA views these issues seriously, Heng said severe penalties should be imposed on any personnel found guilty including sacking from the service to deter similar incidents from reoccurring in future.
“We hope this issue will serve as lesson to all enforcement personnel, especially to newbies on the job so that they realise that nobody has immunity from the rule of law, ” she added.
Heng also lauded the statement by Bukit Aman Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) director Comm Datuk Zamri Yahya that criminal action and also demotion or sacking will be taken against police personnel if found guilty.
“This is timely and provides reassurance in a disquieting situation, thereby bringing relief to the public, especially to women, ” she said, adding that Wanita MCA also thanked the police force for their services, especially in the last year, where they continued to serve as frontliners in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic.
