Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador says the people’s trust in the force has eroded due to deep-seated corruption, stressing the police are here to serve the people and not the other way around.
In a press conference today, Abdul Hamid said the public only pretend to respect cops.
“When the officers go out in their uniforms complete with their guns, people respect them but actually spit behind their backs,” said Abdul Hamid.
“This is because the cartel and corruption inside the force have been going on for too long.
“People are afraid to make police reports or cannot be bothered to do so as it becomes bothersome or at times, certain cases are ‘settled’ by people of influence.
“This should not be the way. The force belongs to the people, we are here to serve them, not the other way around,” he added.
Abdul Hamid, who received his second Covid-19 vaccination earlier today, also said the media must not be afraid to raise questions about police corruption or crimes as he will support them as long as he is in charge.
“Perhaps previously the media were afraid to ask or were not encouraged to ask such disturbing questions,” he said.
“Not anymore. I welcome these questions as I intend to clean up the force.”
Separately, Abdul Hamid said he is worried about the number of accidents in the country, particularly those involving motorcycles.
He said from Jan 1 to Feb 28 there have been 56,086 accidents of which 9,799 involved motorcyclists and pillion riders. Of these, there were 702 fatalities.
“The statistics are worrying. There seems to be a group of people who do not want to learn or listen to advice.
“There are 30 million registered motorised vehicles in the country – almost one for each Malaysian. Half of these machines are motorcycles.
“In the last two years, there have been more than 10,000 deaths (6,167 in 2019 and 4,634 in 2020). That is why we have been carrying out many operations against illegal racing and traffic violations.
“Some people say the police are heartless for issuing so many summonses when people have no money.
“To them I say, money can always be earned but if they die, or are seriously injured, what then?”
Abdul Hamid also said one reason why the police are going after motorcyclists who modify their machines with “noisy exhaust pipes” is because of the numerous complaints from the public.
“Also, if you illegally modify your motorcycles, this could affect your insurance claims if you get into an accident.”
He added modified exhaust pipes do not result in extra power. To reiterate the point, police had enlisted the help of several racers – current and retired – to explain the dynamics of a motorcycle.
Among them are Wazi Abdul Hamid, Shahrol Yuzy and Abdul Hamid’s nephew Affendi Rosli of Petronas Sprinta Yamaha-CKJ Racing.
Wazi said: “As a former racer, I can tell you having a noisy exhaust does not give you extra power.
“It is just noise. To get extra power you need to modify the engine and several other components.
“I feel we should limit the sale of these types of exhaust for road users. For racers, they can still use the ones for ‘racing purposes’,” he added.
Here’s the round-up of The News Normal today.
PH URGES HOME MINISTRY TO PROBE IGP’S CARTEL CLAIMS
Pakatan Harapan secretariat council says the “cartel” elements revealed by Abdul Hamid must not be allowed to take over the force as it will destroy the institution.
The opposition coalition, in expressing its concern over Abdul Hamid’s claims, urged the Home Ministry to quickly investigate the allegations and take stern action.
MALAYSIA-SINGAPORE TO PROGRESSIVELY RESTORE CROSS-BORDER TRAVEL
Malaysia and Singapore will work towards recognising each other’s vaccine certificates, to facilitate cross-border travel.
They will also continue to vaccinate long-term residents, including Malaysians residing in Singapore and Singaporeans residing in Malaysia while progressively restoring cross-border travel for other groups of travellers in addition to the Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) and the Periodic Commuting Arrangement (PCA).
These were among the decisions reached after a meeting between Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein and his Singaporean counterpart Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
AGONG SAYS CITY DEVELOPMENT POLICY MUST BE RESILIENT AND STRATEGIC
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah says city development practices and policies nationwide need to encompass new strategies with an emphasis on vigilance and resilience.
Speaking during the investiture ceremony for the Federal Territory Day celebration at Istana Negara, Al-Sultan Abdullah said the move was necessary to face challenges – natural disasters, economic crises or pandemics.
He added the use of smart technology could provide continuity to critical infrastructure in the face of disasters and crises.
Al-Sultan Abdullah also said cities around the world had studied the risk of virus transmission in confined and cramped spaces.
A NATION UNDER PHYSICAL AND MENTAL STRESS
It is hoped the emergency in Malaysia be lifted sooner than scheduled, Parliament be in session and that punitive regulatory measures for SOP non-compliance will be phased out as this will enable the government to regain the trust and confidence of the people.
MALAYSIA SPORTS JOURNOS AMONG FINALISTS AT INTERNATIONAL AWARDS
Two Malaysian sports journalists were among the finalists at the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Sport Media Awards while another received a special mention for Covid-19 coverage.
Wan Abdul Muiz Wan Abdul Aziz from Astro Arena made it to the top three in the Young Reporter Broadcasting category. The winner was Clarisse Sih from Cameroon Radio Television (Karate Tai Sabaki, more than meets the eyes).
The Star’s T. Avineshwaran’s ‘Kick out the racists in football’ column was among the Top 5 in the Writing (Best Column) category. Dina Asher-Smith of The Telegraph (Think racism hasn’t affected me? It’s there almost every day) was named winner of the category.
Another Astro Arena journalist, Wan Nor Bazly Wan Azmi, was among 28 who were honoured under the AIPS Covid Special Mention category for their coverage of sports during the Covid-19 pandemic.
