Lee Lam Thye encourages police to address integrity issues

KUALA LUMPUR: The police must ensure integrity, transparency and accountability among its ranks, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

The Alliance for a Safe Community chairman said the police have to put in more effort to improve its integrity.

"This may involve reforms in training, recruitment and internal oversight mechanisms," he said on Sunday (Oct 22).

He added that corruption in the Malaysian police force is not new, and it has roots that stretch back decades, intertwined with political interference and bureaucratic red tapas combined with a lack of transparency.

Lee said one of the most troubling aspects of corruption within the Malaysian police force is its alleged connection with criminal syndicates and the underworld.

"Corruption within the police force has far-reaching consequences for Malaysian society.

"It impedes the fight against crime, allowing criminals to operate with impunity.

"Furthermore, it hampers economic growth and foreign investment by creating an environment of insecurity and unpredictability," he added.

Lee also praised the new leadership in Bukit Aman for their commitment to restoring the force's integrity, restoring its public image, and addressing new challenges like cybercrime and transnational organised crime.