LETTERS: Last month, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain made a surprise visit to several district police headquarters and stations in the Klang Valley.
This was followed by a series of surprise checks by officers from federal police Integrity and Standards Compliance Department on errant cops, particularly those who abuse their power for personal gain.
These initiatives were applauded. However, if the police truly care about public trust, they must also demonstrate tactfulness or courtesy when dealing with the public.
I'm a television host and news anchor. Last Tuesday, when I got home after presenting the midnight news programme, I had an unpleasant encounter with two policemen patrolling my neighbourhood in Subang Jaya, Selangor, at 1.10am.
One of them exhibited rude, arrogant and unprofessional behaviour, which left me disappointed.
I was in my car, parked in front of my house, taking a moment before heading inside. I often do this to unwind.
Ten minutes later, two cops on motorcycles approached my car and requested that I roll down the window on the driver's side. I complied. One of them inquired about my presence in the car.
I responded by indicating that the house in front was my home. I was asked the same question three times. I calmly said that I had just returned from work.
One of the officers began inspecting the front of my car and directed his partner to request for my identification card. I obliged. My MyKad bears the same address as my residence.
The officer took my MyKad, glanced at it, and held on to it without providing any explanation.
I asked: "What's the matter?"
I cannot recall their exact response, but it was dismissive, urging me not to question and to simply comply with their instructions.
I repeated my question, only to be met with the same response. Then I was told to step out of the car.
Feeling confused and frustrated, I demanded an explanation. One of them said that they were conducting routine patrols.
"OK, I understand. But please explain properly. Don't make people confused."
Upon hearing this, the policeman said: "Explain what?"
I tried to explain my concerns about their request for my MyKad and instruction to exit the car.
Before I could finish, he interrupted, "Explain what?" rendering it impossible for me to communicate effectively.
While this was happening, the other policeman attempted to defuse the situation by explaining everything to me.
It would have been preferable to do so earlier to avoid an unpleasant exchange, but I appreciate his effort.
But his colleague continued scrutinising my MyKad and contacted his base, presumably to check my details. He took a picture of me with his handphone and my MyKad without providing any explanation.
When he found nothing wrong and returned my MyKad, no apology was offered.
I come from a family of police officers. I have two brothers-in-law, one serving in the Criminal Investigation Department and the other undergoing training as a pilot with the Air Operation Unit.
My uncle is a former IGP. I am the last person to complain about the police, but what transpired needs to be addressed. Tactfulness or courtesy goes a long way.
MUHAMMED AHMAD HAMDAN
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times