The New Straits Times
By : Koh Lay Chin
Without going into detail as to which recommendations he wants to address, he said he was aware that the people still had negative perceptions when it came to the force and that police officers still had grievances that had to be looked into.
“I think we need to revisit those recommendations together with the Inspector-General of Police, look at them carefully again.
If there are proposals that have not taken off yet, we want to expedite them.” Four years ago, the commission’s report looked into three main areas of reform for the force — crime reduction, the eradication of corruption and observing human rights.
Among its key recommendations were the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, which never saw the light of day, as well as proposals to solve problems like dilapidated police stations, inadequate facilities and atrocious living quarters.
Last year, the government said it had implemented more than 80 per cent of the recommendations put forward, and the rest, which were not taken up, were still being studied.
Asked if he felt the recommendations had not been carried out properly, Hishammuddin said hewould be looking at the matter closely again.
“I think if it had been implemented properly, the public would feel it. All I can say is that I am revisiting it, and I will keep the public informed.” He said in his recent discus - sions with police officers, grievances were still rife and that the ministry had much to do to improve their welfare and alleviate constraints.
“I’m working very closely with them. I got this outpouring (from them), because they had been trained to take orders, to be disciplined and accept what is thrown at them.
“I look at them in a slightly different perspective than most people, and theirwelfare must be taken into account.” He was very enthused about possibilities of change for Rela and the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) under his portfolio, and about the two arms supporting and collaborating closely with the police force.
Alongside the improvements to the police force, he aims to reposition the 500,000- strong Rela and JPAM, with 65,000 officers, as forces to reckon with.
The voluntary Rela, he said, was formed to address the chaos of the racial riots and the Confrontation in the 60s, but it was time for a repositioning to help the public and the police effectively.
“Under the police’s current plans, there should be 60,000 new policemen by 2012, but perhaps that will take too long.
So in the meantime, Rela could take up the call, but with guidance of course.” However, Hishammuddin was aware of the negative perception among the public about Rela officials, who in recent years have been more known for their controversial raids to nab illegal immigrants.
“I totally agree it is not their core business to be going around catching illegals, or doing work they were not trained to. But at that particular point in time, I suppose that was the best we could do.” He is also looking into boosting JPAM, 80 per cent of whom are volunteers.
JPAM, a department handling multi-emergency sevices, would soon register with the Geneva-based International Civil Defence Organisation, which brings together and trains national civil defence authorities, Hishammuddin said.
This means Malaysia’s JPAM officers will receive topnotch training and cooperation based on internationally recognised standards. Their green uniform, which is similar to military uniforms, will also be changed to a more people-friendly blue.
The idea, Hishammuddin said, was to have cohesion between all these forces under the ministry to alleviate manpower issues and to better ensure the safety and security of the public.
By : Koh Lay Chin
PUTRAJAYA: There will be a revisit of the 125 recommendations in 2005 put out by the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police, which were meant to create a world-class police service in the country.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said in line with aims to enhance the image and operations of the force, he will be retracing steps to see if the recommendations had been carried out and if they had made an impact.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said in line with aims to enhance the image and operations of the force, he will be retracing steps to see if the recommendations had been carried out and if they had made an impact.
Without going into detail as to which recommendations he wants to address, he said he was aware that the people still had negative perceptions when it came to the force and that police officers still had grievances that had to be looked into.
“I think we need to revisit those recommendations together with the Inspector-General of Police, look at them carefully again.
If there are proposals that have not taken off yet, we want to expedite them.” Four years ago, the commission’s report looked into three main areas of reform for the force — crime reduction, the eradication of corruption and observing human rights.
Among its key recommendations were the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, which never saw the light of day, as well as proposals to solve problems like dilapidated police stations, inadequate facilities and atrocious living quarters.
Last year, the government said it had implemented more than 80 per cent of the recommendations put forward, and the rest, which were not taken up, were still being studied.
Asked if he felt the recommendations had not been carried out properly, Hishammuddin said hewould be looking at the matter closely again.
“I think if it had been implemented properly, the public would feel it. All I can say is that I am revisiting it, and I will keep the public informed.” He said in his recent discus - sions with police officers, grievances were still rife and that the ministry had much to do to improve their welfare and alleviate constraints.
“I’m working very closely with them. I got this outpouring (from them), because they had been trained to take orders, to be disciplined and accept what is thrown at them.
“I look at them in a slightly different perspective than most people, and theirwelfare must be taken into account.” He was very enthused about possibilities of change for Rela and the Civil Defence Department (JPAM) under his portfolio, and about the two arms supporting and collaborating closely with the police force.
Alongside the improvements to the police force, he aims to reposition the 500,000- strong Rela and JPAM, with 65,000 officers, as forces to reckon with.
The voluntary Rela, he said, was formed to address the chaos of the racial riots and the Confrontation in the 60s, but it was time for a repositioning to help the public and the police effectively.
“Under the police’s current plans, there should be 60,000 new policemen by 2012, but perhaps that will take too long.
So in the meantime, Rela could take up the call, but with guidance of course.” However, Hishammuddin was aware of the negative perception among the public about Rela officials, who in recent years have been more known for their controversial raids to nab illegal immigrants.
“I totally agree it is not their core business to be going around catching illegals, or doing work they were not trained to. But at that particular point in time, I suppose that was the best we could do.” He is also looking into boosting JPAM, 80 per cent of whom are volunteers.
JPAM, a department handling multi-emergency sevices, would soon register with the Geneva-based International Civil Defence Organisation, which brings together and trains national civil defence authorities, Hishammuddin said.
This means Malaysia’s JPAM officers will receive topnotch training and cooperation based on internationally recognised standards. Their green uniform, which is similar to military uniforms, will also be changed to a more people-friendly blue.
The idea, Hishammuddin said, was to have cohesion between all these forces under the ministry to alleviate manpower issues and to better ensure the safety and security of the public.
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