Editor’s note: The author is responding to an op-ed published on Internal Asia News that seeks to undermine the credibility of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly the Special Branch. This is his counter-argument.
THE Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), particularly its Special Branch, has long been an institution respected both domestically and internationally for its contributions to national security.
The article in question casts a shadow over the achievements and sacrifices made by this agency, especially during Malaysia’s challenging periods such as the Confrontation with Indonesia, the fight against communist insurgency, and the ongoing internal security challenges posed by terrorism, racial, and religious tensions.
While it is essential to critique institutions and address shortcomings, it is equally important to acknowledge the vast and invaluable contributions that have shaped the stability of Malaysia over the decades.
The narrative presented in the article risks undermining the role of the Special Branch and could potentially serve as part of a broader agenda to destabilise the nation, possibly even reflecting the work of internal or external entities with vested interests in weakening Malaysia’s security apparatus.
The historical legacy of the Special Branch
During the turbulent Confrontation period with Indonesia (1963-1966), when Indonesia sought to destabilise Malaysia, the Special Branch played a pivotal role in monitoring subversive elements and foiling attempts to incite rebellion.
In these challenging times, the Special Branch was not just a tool of law enforcement but a key component in the country’s survival.
The intelligence gathered by the Special Branch was instrumental in safeguarding Malaysia’s sovereignty and preventing the spread of extremist ideologies. During these conflicts, agents of the Special Branch often risked their lives to preserve peace and ensure the stability of a newly independent nation that faced multiple threats.
These men and women, often working in the shadows, displayed unparalleled dedication, putting national security above personal safety. Their efforts ensured that Malaysia could weather one of the most tumultuous periods in its history.
Allegations against the Special Branch
The article criticises the Special Branch for becoming embroiled in political power struggles and focusing more on partisan interests than on national security.
However, this view fails to account for the realities that intelligence agencies face in a complex and evolving political environment.
The nature of intelligence work is often misunderstood, with nuances such as operational secrecy and the need for political sensitivity being overlooked. In any country, intelligence agencies operate under the authority of the government of the day.
Thus, the role of the Special Branch must be viewed within the broader context of the political dynamics at the time.
The claim that the Special Branch is “safeguarding the interests of political leaders” rather than fulfilling its duty of national security is a reductionist view that overlooks the difficult and delicate balancing act intelligence agencies must perform.
Intelligence work often involves engaging with individuals and organizations across the political spectrum to ensure the safety of the nation.
While political interference in security matters is a concern in many countries, to cast the entire institution as politically compromised undermines the broader contribution of the Special Branch to Malaysia’s stability.
Ulu Tiram police station attack and the Israeli arrest
One of the central points raised in the article is the contradiction regarding the Ulu Tiram police station attack, with one official attributing it to Daesh while other claims it was a “lone wolf” attack.
While such discrepancies can be concerning, they do not necessarily reflect a failure of the Special Branch itself. Intelligence work is inherently fraught with uncertainty, and initial reports often evolve as further information is gathered.
The accusation of incompetence overlooks the dynamic and fluid nature of counter-terrorism efforts, where the situation is constantly reassessed as new data emerges.
Similarly, the case involving the Israeli citizen arrested with firearms illustrates a larger issue within intelligence operations.
It is not uncommon for intelligence agencies to rely on public sources, such as tip-offs from civilians, in cases where traditional surveillance methods fail.
The fact that the Special Branch did not initially detect the individual’s presence does not invalidate its overall effectiveness.
On the contrary, it reflects the ongoing need for cooperation between law enforcement and the public in safeguarding national security.
Furthermore, the assertion that the remaining suspects escaped because of a failure by the Special Branch is a simplistic view of a much more complex operational scenario.
A possible attempt to undermine national security
The allegations presented in the article seem to focus disproportionately on the shortcomings of the Special Branch while failing to acknowledge the broader context in which these events occurred.
There is a possibility that such critiques are part of a larger narrative designed to discredit Malaysia’s security apparatus, which has been a cornerstone of the nation’s stability.
This may not only be the work of internal factions seeking to undermine the police force for political gain but could also be influenced by global actors with an interest in destabilising Malaysia for strategic reasons.
Malaysia’s Special Branch, as the key agency responsible for internal security, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s peace and sovereignty.
To paint its work in a negative light without fully appreciating the context of its actions risks weakening the very institution that has protected Malaysia from internal and external threats for decades.
Such narratives, if left unchecked, could potentially provide cover for external forces or internal destabilising elements seeking to exploit any perceived weaknesses within Malaysia’s security infrastructure.
Conclusion
While no institution is beyond critique, it is essential to approach the subject of national security with an understanding of the complexities involved.
The Special Branch has proven its worth through decades of dedicated service in protecting Malaysia from multiple threats, and its contributions should not be overlooked.
The article’s portrayal of the Special Branch as a compromised and ineffective institution does not do justice to the sacrifices made by its personnel.
Rather than focusing solely on the alleged failures, it is critical to recognise the broader context in which the Special Branch operates and the continued importance of a strong, untainted intelligence agency in securing Malaysia’s future.
In a time of increasing global uncertainty, the Special Branch must remain a trusted and capable institution, free from political interference, to continue ensuring Malaysia’s safety and sovereignty.
R. Paneir Selvam is the principal consultant of Arunachala Research & Consultancy Sdn Bhd, a think tank specialising in strategic national and geo-political matters.
The views expressed are solely of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.
- Focus Malaysia.
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