Working together: Anwar with Johari (left), Saifuddin Nasution (fourth from right) and Razarudin (third from right) at the launch of the IPCC, Police, Friends and Collaborators (IPFC) initiative in Kuala Lumpur. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
PM: It’s important for the nation to be governed with integrity
KUALA LUMPUR: The police must take a strong stand against corruption and abuse of power to save the nation of its ills, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
As the bedrock of public security, the Prime Minister said the police must strongly oppose any form of these scourges to help drive investments and economic growth.
“That is why I’m asking the police, not just the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), to take a strong stand,” he said when launching the IPCC, Police, Friends and Collaborators (IPFC) initiative here yesterday.
The IPFC is a programme to monitor the conduct of the police by creating a more effective complaint and investigation mechanism.
Through it, the IPCC aims to enhance cooperation among various parties through engagement sessions, roundtable discussions and dialogues.
Anwar said it was important for the country to be governed with integrity, and to prevent wastage and abhor oppression.
Anwar said there were several incidents sensationalised by irresponsible parties to tarnish the image of the force.
“People are attracted to sensational stories. The one or two cases were perceived to represent a big group in the police. That is why our narrative should be fairer,” he said.
The Prime Minister commended the police for their vital role in assisting flood victims during the current severe monsoon.
“Among the main pillars (of flood relief) are the police, as they are a large number. The people will never forget their services, even carrying victims to relief centres together with the Fire and Rescue Department, and Civil Defence Force, among others,” he said.
Also present at the launch was Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
At a press conference later, Saifuddin Nasution said 529 complaints have been lodged with the IPCC as of Nov 22.
“When a complaint is received, it must be managed according to the IPCC Act. If it has elements of corruption then it must be channelled to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission and if it is criminal in nature, it must be given to the police.
“If the complaint fits the jurisdiction of the IPCC’s powers, then the IPCC will investigate.”
He said there was already a backlog of 140 complaints before the Act came into effect, adding that some of the complaints were repeated from police cases that had been investigated, including those that involved outcomes the complainants did not agree with.
“There were also complaints that we view as petty, such as a policeman not responding to a greeting. This Act is complete and also lists such minor issues,” he said.
The IPCC Act was passed in Parliament in 2022 and enforced on July 1 last year.
