Veterans group Patriot is outraged after hearing of the arrest of 18 members of the security forces suspected of human trafficking in the East Coast of Johor, calling it a disgrace to the uniform if the allegations are true.
"Those arrested were enforcement officers, meaning they were entrusted to execute tasks given by their superiors, and are now accused of colluding with crime syndicates.
"This is shocking because it is a crime against the nation, and it is also a disgrace to those in uniform," said Patriot president Mohamed Arshad Raji (above) in a statement today.
"If guilty, the culprits must be seriously dealt with. A charge for treason is preferred if possible.
"Patriot has for the last three years been quite critical of corrupt activities and abuse of power.
"As officers previously, we were trained to execute our tasks professionally to achieve the mission. Our integrity was beyond question and our values were honour, truth, and courage and for the country," he added.
Arshad was responding to a statement issued by Johor police chief Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (photo) on the arrest of 18 law enforcement officers and personnel of the police and armed forces, following the arrest of 40 suspects of a human smuggling syndicate on June 4.
Chief of the Defence Forces Affendi Buang said the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) will not compromise with any of its officers and personnel, who are found to be colluding with migrant smugglers.
"The Armed Forces, however, leaves it to the authorities, to take any further action on those directly or indirectly involved with the syndicate of smuggling undocumented migrants,” he said.
Arshad, meanwhile, reminded the forces of the commitment they had undertaken to defend the nation.
"Often time our tasks ahead were risky and we were prepared to lose our lives. Failure in the missions was unacceptable.
"As such, being veterans now we are averse to corruption and abuse of power among politicians and those holding high offices.
"For members of the security forces involved in crimes against the nation, we hold a stricter yardstick for criticism," he added.
Arshad said that while there was occasionally some misdemeanour among service personnel in the yesteryears, it was mostly confined to personal ill-discipline and minor offences like AWOL (absent without leave), striking, and even drug abuse.
"Commission of crime against the nation was almost non-existent. Part of the reason for that was because we had good leaders who guided and who had set good examples to the subordinates," he said.
"A strong message must be sent that crime does not pay, no matter how high an office one holds.
"In this regrettable case of security forces personnel collusion with crime syndicates, we urge commanders at all levels to keep reminding their officers and men of their sworn pledge to serve the King and country with all sincerity, honesty and to the fullest of their ability.
"The rank that they wear must be upheld in high esteem, honour and dignity," added Arshad. - Mkini
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