Commendable for IGP to say small segment of cops delinquent, says Lee Lam Thye

PETALING JAYA: It was outright frank and commendable for Tan Sri Razarudin Husain to point out that a small segment of the police force is delinquent, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).

"I would like to compliment the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) for being frank in speaking about a small segment of the force being delinquent.

"It is done in the right direction," said the Alliance For A Safe Community chairman on Tuesday (Jan 16).

Lee said it was "timely" for Razarudin to speak up against the rogue cops and assure the public that he and the top management of the police force would do everything possible to put things right.

"In any organisation, there are bound to be some black sheep and the police force is no exception.

"All the more it shows what needs to be done to act against the black sheep and protect the image of the force.

"All members of the force must embrace the values of good ethics and integrity."

The Star reported on Tuesday that Razarudin had admitted that about 2% of the police force had been found to have committed wrongdoings last year.

With a 137,000-strong police force, that means about 2,740 personnel were rogue.

He was concerned over the bad press the police had received recently and was telling his officers to carry out their duties honourably to earn the trust and confidence of the public.

Razarudin said that apart from disciplinary action including pay cuts, demotions, suspensions and dismissals over various wrongdoings, several police officers were also charged in court for committing serious crimes.

He said the wrong-doers would face severe consequences and no crooked cop would be tolerated or spared from stern action.

He said the police Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) would continue to weed out delinquent personnel.

Over the past month, rogue cops had left the police top brass red-faced after running foul of the law.

Lee said the recent incidents involving policemen in drug abuse and rape cases were "serious concerns" to the public, as they affect the public's trust and confidence in the police force.

"It's like the Malay proverb, 'Harapkan pegar, pegar makan padi (Don't expect a chicken to protect the padi fields as it feeds on padi seeds)'.

"It shows how power can corrupt officials who are supposed to be the guardians of the law. This is unacceptable," he said.

Lee said the top brass in the police force must continue its efforts to ensure their colleagues were not corrupted or go rogue, but maintain a force of integrity.

"It is more important that all steps are taken to ensure the public can put their trust in the police.

"As for wrongdoers, it is important that the JIPS continues to initiate the necessary measures to bring about a force with integrity.

"Let's trust the IGP, the deputy IGP and the top brass to do whatever is necessary to maintain a great force with integrity," he added.