KUALA LUMPUR: The government will not tolerate criminals who are alleged to be "roaming free", creating the impression that enforcement authorities are weak in tackling their activities, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Citing the recent case of three male criminals shot dead in Melaka, the Prime Minister said it will be investigated thoroughly and transparently by the Royal Malaysia Police.
"I have received assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (Bukit Aman) that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, with no compromise. Their report has been submitted to the Attorney General today for further action," he told the Dewan Negara on Tuesday (Dec 16).
The Prime Minister was replying to a question from Senator Amir Md Ghazali on the government's measures to strengthen integrity and transparency in law enforcement, aiming to curb abuse of power and leakages within agencies, including the police.
Anwar said the action demonstrates that the government will not compromise in cases of police misconduct, while stressing that all allegations will be fully investigated in accordance with the law.
Regarding deaths in detention, Anwar said that many claims suggested the fatalities involved only one ethnic group, whereas the facts show that other groups were also affected, including Malays (25), Chinese (nine), Indians and Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras (four each), as well as foreign nationals (15).
"Of course, there are certain shortcomings that we cannot deny, but to portray the situation negatively would be unfair, particularly towards the police," he said.
He also reminded the public to distinguish between cases of enforcement misconduct and decisive actions against criminals who threaten public safety, while reaffirming the government's commitment to strengthening the integrity of the nation's enforcement agencies.
Anwar noted that the number of cases involving criminals is very small relative to the country's total population of 34.5 million, representing less than 0.5% of the population.
He added that to ensure accountability and justice are upheld, the government has established checks and balances, including the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) and the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), which allow any party to refer cases for further action if they remain dissatisfied.- Bernama
