IGP shows that he means business in combating bribery in the force

All police officers, especially those who deal with crime syndicates, have been given an ultimatum to sever any ties with the underworld, top cop Abdul Hamid Bador said today.

The newly-minted inspector-general of police told a press conference this morning that he means business in eradicating corruption in the force.

"I will do my best to bring down and clean up corrupt practices in the police force.

"An example is illegal gaming and vice syndicate operations, which have seen police officers being compromised by these syndicates before.

"I have issued a warning, an ultimatum to all these officers to cut off any connection whatsoever that they have with these syndicates," Hamid said after launching Op Selamat for Hari Raya Aidilfitri at Menara TM in Bangsar.

Hamid, who was appointed as the IGP three weeks ago, was answering a question on what difference he would bring to the force to battle corrupt practices, compared with his predecessors, especially when dealing with crime syndicates.

The IGP said the police force would not compromise with corruption and crimes committed by its own members.

The recent quick arrest of police officers and men for robbing a money changer was one evidence of the force's commitment to nip the problem in the bud.

However, according to Hamid, he believes that there are more good police officers and men than bad ones, and it is the responsibility of the top brass in the force to set the right example for them.

This includes doing away with negative cultures that have been entrenched in the force.

"As I have said, if there are 500 dirty cops, there are 125,000 more good cops, that's all.

"So I believe my men are good. Basically, they are good men so we have to set a good example from the top. I will set a good example from the top.

"I have issued the order to stop all bad practices because I want all the men below to follow good examples. No more the culture of forcing men under your command to get sponsors and sorts. These kinds of practices have been entrenched and have become a culture in the force, and this is what I want to eradicate," he said.

Field promotion for rejecting bribes

During the press conference, Hamid said he would reward police officers and personnel who turn down bribe offers.

According to him, he would even go to the extent of giving field promotion in extraordinary cases.

"If need be, I can even promote them, what we call field promotion, depending on the cases.

"Otherwise, we will (give) what is called commendation letters. But in extraordinary cases, I will, in fact, go to the extent of promoting them instantly."

Field promotion is a term usually used in the military referring to the rank promotions given to soldiers on the battlefield.  - Mkini