PM: Cops will get 'whatever needed' to fight crime

Premier Najib Abdul Razak said today the government is prepared to give the police whatever is needed within reason and affordability to raise the effectiveness of the force in fighting crime, particularly serious crime in the country.

He also expressed concern over a spate of killings using firearms lately, saying it affected public confidence and increased fear with regard to security and serious crime.

In this regard, he said the police must take immediate action to regain public confidence following these developments.

"It is up to the police to ask from the government what they require in terms of enhancing the capability within reason and within affordability.

"We will provide the police (with the necessary tools) to fight organized crime and serious crime in the country.

"We are prepared to consider the request and requirements of the police as long as there is a guarantee to safeguard against abuse of power and human rights,” said Najib (right) at a media conference after chairing the National Finance Council Meeting 2013 at the Finance Ministry, Putrajaya.

For now, Najib said the police would use existing laws to implement whatever possible in the fight against serious crime.

In addition, he said a sub-committee comprising several ministers including the home minister and minister in the Prime Minister's Department, would be set up.
Additional provisions
Najib said the sub-committee would discuss with the attorney-general and inspector-general of police to determine additional provisions in the law that could strengthen the police capacity to act.

"This matter can be brought up to the next Parliament session. We cannot allow the situation to persist. Immediate and serious action must be taken by the authorities to bring back public peace and confidence," he said.

Yesterday, the founder of the Arab-Malaysian Development Bank now known as AmBank, Hussain Ahmad Najadin, died while his wife was seriously injured after being shot from close range in a carpark after coming out from the Kuan Yin Temple, at Lorong Ceylon, in Kuala Lumpur.

Last Sunday, anti-crime activist and chairman of MyWatch, R Sri Sanjeevan (left), was injured after being shot at the junction near Taman Awana Indah, Jempol, Negri Sembilan.

Another victim of a high-profile murder case was the deputy director general of customs (Customs/Internal Tax), Shaharuddin Ibrahim, who was shot while on his way to office in Putrajaya on April 26.

Meanwhile, Najib refuted the allegation by Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim who claimed that there were "hands influencing the decision" of the judge who dismissed his election petition recently.

"The government has never interfered. We must have confidence in the decision of the court.

"It was also the court that acquitted Anwar before. So why is it that he has no confidence in the judicial system of the country?" asked the prime minister.

- Bernama