Musa Hassan right about recording police raid and dress code issues

 

From G Selvakumar

Former inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan rightly said that there was no specific law against recording the actions of staff from an enforcement agency when they are carrying out their duties in public.

However, if the act of recording leads to a hindrance or obstruction that prevents the officers from carrying out their duty or affects the outcome of the raid, seizure or arrest, only then would it be an offence.

This is stating the obvious and not only applies to the act of recording but any other act for that matter.

Recording by itself does not infringe any law and the onus is upon the individual to ensure that while he or she is recording the raid, seizure or arrest, he or she does not physically obstruct, hinder or affect the outcome of the enforcement team’s objective.

Opinionated judgments are not law but are guides in applying a specific law. The degree of persuasiveness differs from case to case.

It is opined that the police should embrace public recordings in all situations including those that involve their overt operations as it is in line with the principle of using body cameras.

It will lead to better transparency and ultimately higher police accountability and professionalism.

On another note, Musa is absolutely right in emphasising that the police have to serve all those who wish to lodge a report at a police station regardless of their attire.

Not only is it in tandem with the slogan “Sedia Berkhidmat” (Ready to Serve) but it is also for the reason that time is of the essence when it comes to saving lives, property and collecting evidence.

There are many dire and critical situations that force victims to come to a station in whatever attire they are in, to seek police help.

This is further compounded by the traumatic state they might be in when they suffer damage, injury, loss or intimidation.

Personnel manning the enquiry counters must keep their focus on the seriousness of the report at hand rather than looking at the attire of a complainant.

It is a question of priority parallel to police functions and roles under the Police Act apart from the fact that there are specific laws in the Minor Offences Act and the Police Act to deal with indecency and unruly behaviour at a police station. - FMT

G Selva is an FMT reader.

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