KUALA LUMPUR : The decision to launch the PDRM Integrity Plan 2016-2020 as well as to sign a memorandum of understanding with the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) and the Malaysia Institute of Integrity speaks well of police's intention and aims to bring about a professional force with integrity.
Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) senior vice chairman Tan Seri Lee Lam Thye said the police should be commended for launching the Code of Ethics, PDRM Integrity Plan 2016-2020 and the Police's Standard Compliance Manual to achieve its ultimate aim of providing world-class policing service to the people.
“While the public appreciate the lofty ideals outlined in the Police Integrity Plan, the biggest challenge has yet to come which is to translate the plan into the best practices by police personnel on the ground.
“It is essential that the policemen must not only fully understand the Code of Ethics and Integrity Plan as well as the Standard Compliance Manual but also ensure their implementation. As the saying goes, the real taste of the pudding is in its eating,” he told The New Straits Times.
Lee said efforts by the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS) to introduce the Police Integrity Plan and the Standard Compliance Manual must be given due recognition.
“JIPS was established about two years ago to improve integrity within the police and ensure that the personnel comply with the standard operating procedures. JIPS weeds out bad apples within the police by investigating reports and complaints, and taking action against those convicted of misconduct.
“The fact that JIPS disclosed the figures of errant police personnel shows that the police is transparent and serious in strengthening the integrity of the man and women in blue," he said.
Lee said that Bukit Aman Integrity and Compliance Standard Department Director Datuk Jalaluddin Abdul Rahman had revealed that since 2013, a total of 607 personnel were sacked from the police force while 240 were suspended for offences such as shirking their duties, corruption and misconduct.
“So far this year, the force has fired 25 police personnel. A number of 38 senior officers were being probed and 301 other personnel were investigated for drug-related offences, crime, corruption and misconduct,” added Lee.
Lee said the move is laudable as the public needs to know that police is addressing the problems of misconduct among its personnel to improve its integrity and enhance their image as a law enforcement agency.
“This also dispels the beliefs of the general public that action is not taken against errant police personnel despite public complaints.
“Integrity, ethics and professionalism are fundamental in the police force to ensure effective policing and to build public confidence in the police.
“Integrity means the police discharge their responsibilities in accordance with established police practices and within legal framework, without misconduct or corruption.
“Being part of the law enforcement agency, the police personnel are faced with opportunities and temptation to abuse the authority, rights and privileges of their profession. However, their integrity must never be compromised,” he said.
Lee also said the public would not have any respect for the police if they believe that the police abuse their authority.
“Effective crime control depends on mutual trust between the police and the community. Members of the community must trust the police to uphold the laws and protect them. The police meanwhile must build community trust by approaching the community and engage with them.
“The public can also file complaints about errant police personnel on Facebook and social media.
“According to JIPS, a total of 46 reports have so far been filed via its Facebook page.
“I am sure most Malaysians, who are Internet-savvy, would utilise the social media platform to file complaints against errant police personnel. However, we would like to advise the public n
ot to misuse social media to make baseless accusations against police personnel. The public must use the social media channel responsibly.
“There is a lot more to do to enhance the image of police personnel in the country. JIPS has to intensify its efforts to ensure that police personnel embrace integrity and discipline as their culture. Integrity strengthens public confidence in the Police Force. This is crucial because effective crime control and public security depends on public trust and respect towards the Police Force.
“While we focus on the issues of integrity, ethics and discipline of police personnel, the Government has to take into account the sacrifices made by them in their line of duty. Members of law enforcement agencies in the country deserve better perks and benefits such as better housing, bonuses, allowances and job promotion,” he said