Cops must not become part of the problem

 

From G Selvakumar

Swift and stern action must be taken against all the personnel involved in accepting an Aidilfitri invitation from a former senior police officer in Shah Alam recently. There is no excuse for that, really.

Ironically, the officers who were entrusted with ensuring that the movement control order SOPs are complied with, did the exact opposite.

They let down all the other frontliners, especially those in the medical fraternity. Action taken must be firm to set an example, if we are to send the right message to the public.

It is apparent that we have the same traits as India in that we are obsessed with religious gatherings. This really is our Achilles heel. We have to address this problem as soon as possible, apart from political gatherings that are part of the main fuel spreading this deadly virus.

The statistics are alarming and indicate that we are heading for stormier weather in the fight against Covid-19. Some politicians, too, have not been able to grasp the gravity of the situation.

They are being investigated although, in some cases, in stark contrast to many people who have had action taken immediately against them for similar acts without having to refer them to the Attorney-General’s Chambers.

This significant difference in the manner action is being taken is also fuelling discontent.

The authorities concerned must address this issue immediately or face the possibility of more dissent at a time when total cooperation from the rakyat is required. We are in dire need of a decisive and strong leadership, similar to what we would experience during wartime.

The fact that the virus has not slowed down and our infection and fatality rates have escalated is evidently a bad report card. We need the vaccination rollout to be speeded up. We need a competent plan of action whereby the general public is well informed of the relevant time frame for vaccinations. This will boost the confidence of the people.

Police have their hands full and enforcement is difficult when the masses are not onboard. Although their efforts are appreciated, the fact that many people have managed to travel during this period reflects an attitude that is worrisome. It will be seriously compounded again when people try to make their way back from wherever they are.

The number of fatalities has increased significantly and the ratio of the number of daily deaths to our total population indicates that we are in a very precarious position. We must take serious cognizance of this and work harder to get this fact across to the masses.

Police are part of our frontliners and are duty-bound to not only enforce the law without fear or favour but also be alongside our medical fraternity in the overall battle against this merciless unseen enemy. They cannot afford the perception that they too are part of the problem.

G Selvakumar is a former police officer and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.