I forward herewith my article on enhancing crime prevention to building safer cities, which I shared during my speech at the International Conference on Principled Policing on the 13th and 14th February 2012 at Sunway Resort Hotel and Spa.
A point to note, I wish to share a very famous Chinese philosophy - WHEN THE UPPER BEAM IS NOT PUT RIGHT, THE LOWER BEAM WILL NEVER BE RIGHT”. This is a golden rule to us all, more so the discipline forces. The new regime and leadership of PDRM must truly commit and show good example to move forward.
1. INTRODUCTION.
1.1.In every part of the world, today’s government are challenged by many and varied-responsibilities. In Malaysia, the government of PM Najib Razak is burdened not only with the tasks of just governing the country politically and economically. The government is also held responsible for preventing crime and fostering a sense of public safety.
1.2.Since the PDRM is the prime law enforcement agency, the incidents of crime is blamed on the PDRM. That is fully justified because of the PDRM is tasked with maintaining public safety and order under the Police Act.
1.3.Bad Perception – can be created. Let me share the actual incident.
1.4. The image of the PDRM is most important. Under the previous Inspector General of Police (IGP), both real crimes and crime rates were high. The Police image was at its worst. Various allegations have been made against the former IGP , not least the fact that six (6) rank and file policemen were charged for exposing the former IGP’s complicity in the “ALONG” loan shark issues.
1.5.For the first time in Malaysian history, the IGP’s name was openly exposed in affidavits filed by a known criminal and RR detainee. In the end, the PDRM’s Director of the Criminal Investigations (CID) was charged and the criminal was released. The former IGP even gave evidence against Dato’ Ramli Yusuff to contradict the evidence by all the other Police witnesses. In the end, the former IGP was condemned by the court as an incredible witness whose evidence is not to be believed which is the legal euphemism for calling someone a “LIAR”. These were the black days for PDRM, and had definitely caused bad perception for PDRM.
1.6.In the light of the above foregoing, unfortunately and inevitably, the perception on PDRM is not good and healthy. It was made worst further, there was no concern or love from the top leader to the fellow officers. Creating a very bad perception for PDRM. It has definitely demoralize the PDRM officers.
1.7.That is the scenario when the new IGP Tan Sri Ismail Omar took over leadership of PDRM. The government made crime reduction as one the National Key Result Areas (NKRA) and we now see the results. Under the new IGP, crime rates are reported to be declining, yet it seems the fear of crime has not abated. The former IGP even gave a press statement doubting if the declining crime rate statistics is genuine or accurate. I see that as the former IGP being jealous and a sour grape of the achievements of IGP Ismail Omar and his Deputy IGP Dato’ Seri Khalid Abu Bakar. That is not healthy. A former IGP with such a bad image should not undermine his successor’s achievements.
2. SAFE CITY.
2.1 The topic is about “Safe City”. What is a safe city”
2.2 In definition, a safe city is where crime is on the decline, the number of people who feel safe in their neighbourhoods and downtown is increasing, people know their neighbours and use neighbourhood services, people have confidence in government provided services, people are tolerant of diversity and feel that everyone is treated fairly and people are optimistic about the future of the city.
2.3 So, do the cities in Malaysia enjoy these features or characteristics? That is something that is to be judged by the community – the Rakyat. If we as the Rakyat today, certainly they feel safe now with PDRM under IGP Ismail Omar than they do during Musa Hassan’s time which was controversial and scandalous. But we are not talking about the bigger picture. Is Malaysia a safe country that Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) would invest in?
2.4 That issue could be settled by a community safety survey. A safety audit is an effective way for community groups to identify unsafe neighbourhoods and determine how they can be improved.
2.5 Yet, despite a declining crime rate, the Malaysian Rakyat still have residual fear of crime in Kuala Lumpur and other big cities in Malaysia. Why is that so?
2.6 Therefore, we have to develop strategies for improving crime prevention efforts and diminishing the fear of crime. To me, five main direction for action deal with strengthening neighbourhoods; investing in children, youth and families; policing and justice; information and co-ordination; and implementing, evaluating and monitoring crime prevention programs.
3. PRECEPTIONS.
3.1 I started by saying that “the government is also held responsible for preventing crime and fostering a sense of public safety.” That is about perceptions. How do we manage perceptions?
3.2 The subject matter is very real, practical, very challenging and is not impossible, provided every measure should be deliberated, solutions be derived and if found realistic and operative, we should appeal to all the Rakyat and authorities to come together and implement the solution to prevent crime.
3.3 My proposal will be as follows:
3.3.1 There have been critics and reports to say that corruption in PDRM is very rife. Furthermore, it is not only people in our country but the International communities too have been watching us. Since these are identified issues, let us confer and look to reaching an amicable solution that will allow us to achieve the goal of – crime prevention. To be clear, corruption exists everywhere, in every part of the world, Malaysia is no exception but the severity and nature of corruption is what we must critically analyse and sustainably rectify. It has been said, that the law enforcement agencies in Malaysia including PDRM is corrupted. This may just be as a result of “perception”. Yet, in today’s society, perception is very important.
3.3.2 E.g.: when one is driving along the highway and happen to notice there are policemen stopping motorcyclist or motorist by the road side. The first impression that many of us will conclude is, “INI POLIS CARI MAKAN”, even though the policemen are honorably serving their duties. Sadly, this is the truth in the current Rakyat perception. In this respect, I am compelled to reiterate, that we cannot blame the Rakyat as the past performance of PDRM has been dismal, which hs left the Rakyat with a tainted image of PDRM. This sour taste has remained in the mouths of the Rakyat for far too long to expect the Rakyat to change this perception overnight.be fair to the situation. Past performance of PDRM has never been good or up to the mark. Therefore it is very difficult for us to expect the Rakyat to change this perception overnight. It is therefore imperative to untie this knot; we must go revert to the original source which is to consider the solution that PDRM must commit with strong conviction to revamp this perception by adopting the following measures. Significantly and seriously we must address these issues without fear of favor.
3.3.3. There are bound to be bad apples and good apples in any organization. Fortunately, PDRM is currently under the leadership of IGP YDH Tan Sri Haji Ismail, DIGP YDH Dato’ Sri Khalid and his team, who have pledged and with strong conviction to fight crime. This is a new team of leadership. I appeal to the Rakyat to give time and extend full support toward this direction. The paramount importance is the Rakyat’s participation with PDRM, working together in marching towards the goal. To do this, PDRM must present constructive positive proposals and plans, with strong execution plans to ensure the Rakyat understand and are convinced to close ranks and walk hand in hand towards a better Malaysia. Without the participation by the Rakyat, there is no way crime can be eliminated. As such, PDRM must insist and ensure professionalism of the highest order is practiced, efficiency of the greatest quality is demonstrated, impartiality of unbending principle is epitomised, practicality, neutrality and transparency of the utmost affirmation is evinced irrespective of whether the areas in question belongs to the opposition or ruling parties. QUOTE – DO NOT PRACTICE SELECTIVE POLICY”.
3.3.4. PDRM under all circumstances should not be unduly pressured, interfered, influenced or directed by politicians or higher up individuals or invisible hands. Nobody is above the law hence nobody should be allowed to interfere in the execution of PDRM duties and performance. It must always be remembered, that the Executive power and Authority in keeping the law and order only rest with PDRM. KDN which is the Home Affairs Ministry should reduce and restrain their action to govern the direction of PDRM. KDN is in fact a ministry to ensure, monitor and co-ordinate the performance of PDRM. They should not be seen to act or to speak on matters which are in fact directly and indirectly under the PDRM jurisdiction. This is crucial to avoid passing the buck in the case of any fault or lapse in PDRM’s performance such as to prevent KDN from absolving themselves by saying they had nothing to do with PDRM’s decision. “MANY A TIMES”, statements should have been made by PDRM on the aspect of the performance. In short, PDRM should be allowed to implement and execute the policies in order to reach the expected results leading to good performance.
3.3.5. “THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT BY KDN TO CONSIDER TAKING IN MEMBERS FROM RELA, JPAM AND RUKUN TETANGGA TO PARTICIPATE WITH THE PDRM IN CRIME PREVENTION. IN FACT, THIS ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD ONLY BE MADE BY THE IGP BECAUSE THIS IS HIS BABY”. The education standard, more so in the intake of new recruits must be raised. There should be classes aimed at reforming and refining the good morale, conduct, and public relation even for the Police Personnal to remind them of the obligation of their duties. Supervision by PDRM has to be very closely monitored on any investigation or other assignments because this will lead to efficiency which will definitely improve the blemished image of PDRM to the Rakyat. Efficiency should not be compromised and recruit of new breed should continue at the same time monitor and improve the intended control of good Governance. “DISCIPLINED IS MANDATORY”. The leaders of PDRM should show their concern, to an extent of love and welfare for their officers. The relationship with the MEDIA/PRESS and the Rakyat must continue to build and improve. The PDRM should make it known to the Rakyat, it is useless to believe in speculations but instead, trust must be placed in the faithful duties borne on the shoulders of Police investigation officers. PDRM should always take the full responsibility and accountability to the Rakyat.
3.3.6 NAME/SHARE – when action and decision needed to be taken against any misconduct of Police Officers, it should be made public and to practice transparency. In order to establish good relationship between the Rakyat and PDRM, careful consideration must be given to orchestrate a concerted effort with the quadrumvirate of “IGP / CPOs / OCPD / OCS. These four (4) areas form the crux that is considered to be the pillars and bridge between the Rakyat and PDRM. The Executive Authority is always with PDRM and therefore they should always act without fear or favor to establish real, in meaning and appearance, - independence and transparency of PDRM, in its truest essence.
4. CRIME PREVENTION STRATEGIES.
4.1 Once we have addressed the fundamental issues that I have outline above, then the rest will be a natural follow through and we can then achieve the three (3) long-term goals of a Community Safety Strategy;
a) To see reported and unreported crimes against both people and property decline over time.
b) To see fear of crime decline over time.
c) To increase people’s knowledge of and involvement in community organization working to promote a safer Malaysia and all kits big cities.
5. PDRM needs to work very closely with other agencies and also good NGOs, such as Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF). MCPF in fact has contributed in highlighting the awareness and the importance of crime prevention. An interesting point to know, PDRM members also are Tax Payers. To a certain degree, you can say PDRM are self-employed and yet are doing a very challenging and dangerous task. Sometimes, subject to humiliation and insults by members of the Rakyat.
6. PDRM and Rakyat must change their mindset, more so the Rakyat must come forward to participate in the war against crime. Remember during the Emergency, we fought against the communist. The Rakyat participated together with the authorities and won the war. As such, the participation from the Rakyat is definitely necessary.
7. It would be ideal for PDRM to hold weekly meeting with the Press and the Rakyat for the latest updates of the events. This indeed will be the best way to interact with the Rakyat and to show transparency, independence and neutrality.
Lastly, allow me to remind again the famous Chinese philosophy - WHEN THE UPPER BEAM IS NOT PUT RIGHT, THE LOWER BEAM WILL NEVER BE RIGHT”.
“HUMBLENESS IS GOOD VIRTUE, ARROGANCE SHALL FALL, THE MEEK WILL RULE THE WORLD”.
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