‘Cops must fight crime, not politics’

Growing concern over the easy availability of guns, spate of shootings and rise in gangs has aroused the concern of foreign countries, says an MP.

KOTA KINABALU: Public fear for their personal safety and the effect it is having on the baseline economy is a blaring accusation against the Malaysian police force across the country.

Recent shootings in Peninsular Malaysia and in Kota Kinabalu and reports of easy availability of guns and firearms are a stark signal that the police must evaluate their enforcement measures in the appropriate context.

“They simply must do their core job – fight crime and prevent further deterioration,” said Sandakan MP Wong Tien Fatt.

He said between 2007 and 2012, the government had increased the budget for police funds by 65.17% yet there was no improvement in public security.

“In fact  national security seems to have plunged and continue to slide.

“The police should  evaluate again their existing working system.

“They cannot just blame the repeal or revocation of ISA and Emergency Ordinance for the cause of the situation. It’s just an excuse,” he said.

Wong said the recent shooting incidents had frightened the public and had caused them to panic, preferring to avoid public places, evening and late night gatherings.

“But it’s not just growing public fear. The situation has also aroused the concerns of foreign countries, “ he added.

According to the latest national statistics, there were 23 shooting incidents last month. Ten people were shot dead while another 13 were injured.

“On the average there was one person shot every three days. This is alarming.

“The shooting incidents in the past weeks have already risen to eight cases. And this is not including the fatal stabbing of a debt collector in Sandakan recently, “ Wong said.

7,600 Special Branch officers

Wong pointed out that the situation of national security had worsened and the police seemed unable to control and ensure the security effectively.

In his opinion, the police need to review their working system by deploying majority of manpower to fight crime.

Quoting Parliament reports, Wong said there were 112,583 police personnel nationwide against a population of  28 million.

“This means an average of one policeman to look after 250 people.

“This figure is in line with the international standard of police to the public, but the allocation of police forces in different departments requires adjustments.

“We have 112,583 police personnel nationwide but only 15,887 (14%) are allocated to fight upfront crime, while others are placed into administrative and others,” he said.

He said there were more than 7,600 policemen attached to the Special Branch division.

“Does the Special Branch need that much of manpower? This is worth for review.

“Instead of having more than 7,600 police personnel to monitoring domestic political activities, why not assigned them to fight crime?

“I would find this to be more appropriate on manpower management,” he said.