In the ranks of police, an unease over top guns in the dock

The mood in the police force, from the ground all the way up to the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman, is not pretty after the top cop of Malaysia and his boss, the home minister, both made the news in the past two days for the wrong reasons.

The rank and file and even very senior officers want to hear their bosses defend themselves publicly against the charges levelled at them recently, especially the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar.

"It is not easy being a policeman and the demands of the public have never been higher. But I just could not believe it when I read the judge's findings in Kugan's case," said a lance corporal, referring to the landmark ruling two days ago when a judge scolded Khalid for his handling of the case of a prisoner who died in police custody.

The detainee, A. Kugan, was held at the Subang Taipan police where he was assaulted, suffering 45 external and multiple internal injuries. He died of kidney failure from the beatings. Yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi too was dealt a blow by a judge when the Federal Court ruled he had a case to answer for assault of a man who was interested in Zahid’s daughter.

Such bad news about the highest levels of the force has shaken morale and confidence, particularly over the IGP.

"After everything I have read in the past 24 hours, what is clear is that Khalid has been accused of covering up the circumstances surrounding Kugan's death and he should give an explanation," an Assistant Superintendent told The Malaysian Insider, on condition of anonymity.

"It is imperative that the IGP comes out and explains rather than keep mum on the issue while the public gets angrier and loses confidence in the force."

He added, "I do not know the actual facts or what actually transpired during Kugan's case. Perhaps Khalid himself received the wrong information from his men on the ground?"

His views were echoed among the rank and file by a lance corporal, who said: "As the personnel on the ground, we are also waiting to hear from our top officers on what is actually transpiring as so far we are reading a lot of negative reports.

"We would also like to hear from Tan Sri IGP and listen to his side of the story. All the feedback and comments we have heard thus far is quite demoralising," the policeman said.

But a Senior Assistant Commissioner said it was better to look at the bigger picture. He said: "It is true Khalid is responsible as he was then the Selangor police chief and answerable for the actions of his subordinates. If I was the state police chief, I would also be placed in the same position. But we should be fair as well. The actions of an irresponsible few should not result in Khalid's removal.

"Do we keep sacking IGPs if their subordinates misbehave?

“That would mean the government might not last five years because the prime minister and home minister should also quit."

"There is no doubt that Khalid should be held accountable for Kugan's death. If I was a civilian, I would feel angry too, but we must look at the bigger picture."