The police must be transparent in focusing on Police Bantuan

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw urges the Home Ministry to be more vigilant and transparent in focussing on Polis Bantuan and Sukarelawan Simpanan Polis.

On 18.3.2010, Dr Tan shows his continued concern with the creation of multiple policing systems in the country, especially in the fight against crimes. On 18.3.2010, the Home Ministry answered Dr Tan's question on two systems of policing in the country.

All countries require police. There must be continued attempts to increase the trust and confidence of the people towards the police. A major concern is to combat crimes. For example, in January, 2010, there were 16,116 cases in Malaysia.

While we are looking at the enhancement of the police with the increase pay and the personnel increasing to 92,000, we are seeing the increasing number of private security firms, gated and guarded communities. This gives the impression that the police cannot cope, resulting in two or even three systems of policing in the country.

Besides the regular force, the police appears to be focussing on Polis Bantuan and Sukarelawan Simpanan Polis. For instance, until January, 2010, 89 Polis Bantuan agencies have been formed. One security company such as IBEX Security Sdn Bhd has been given the power of Polis Bantuan to operate at the Custom, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex in Johor Baru.

There are many questions unanswered. These include the period and type of training for personnel under Polis Bantuan. It is obvious that all the security companies involved with gated and guarded communities do not even have the power of Polis Bantuan which has yet to be defined for the benefit of the public.

The police need to show transparency and accountability in dealing with the two or three systems of policing in the country. We require a world-class police force.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw