Don't bribe cops, public warned

PETALING JAYA: The public need to think twice about bribing their way out of trouble with the police following recent high-profile cases of cops refusing bribes.Two crime experts, contacted by The Malay Mail yesterday, lauded this changing mindset in the police force in coming down hard on bribery — and warned public mindset also needs to be changed.Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation exco member Tan Sri Robert Phang said those who tried to bribe officers were not wise and should not make that a habit. Phang also urged the public to also recognise the authorities aren't going to tolerate corrupt practices.


"To know these constables refused bribes is an example to all police officers out there."Ampang Jaya district police chief ACP Abdul Jalil Hassan yesterday highlighted the integrity of two constables from the Ulu Kelang Police Station who nabbed an Argentinian, suspected of theft in Jalan Kelab Ulu Kelang, Bukit Antarabangsa, on Sunday after a 2km chase.The car, driven by the 25-year-old man, hit a divider and crashed. The Argentine offered a RM10,000 bribe to Constable Mohd Najib Razak, 24, and Constable Ridzuan Zulkifli, 26, to let him go.After refusing the cash, the suspect upped the offer to RM20,000 which was also refused and the two policemen detained the foreigner.In another incident earlier this month, a middleman for a loanshark syndicate was arrested after trying to bribe a policeman at the Ampang station. He also offered RM20,000 to the policeman despite being advised that bribery was wrong.

Public Education Committee chairman for Crime Prevention Kamal Efendi said police officers are upholding the law in the right way on a daily basis and it is the public who fail to recognise these efforts."Whether there are integrity campaigns or not, there are many officers who are ready to give their lives to uphold the law and protect citizens. They are doing their best to maintain dignity and uphold the pride of duty."This is the result of the success of the Bahagian Agama dan Kaunseling (BAKA) in enhancing the performance of police officers."Kamal said it is a crime to offer bribes and to receive them. "One of the areas for improvement is to consider promoting these officers and providing them incentives for doing the right thing as an example for others."He said Malaysians need to be educated on the offence of giving bribes."Some people see bribery as a way of getting away for offences committed. These are areas where the MACC could educate Malaysians."

Source : http://www.mmail.com.my/content/41465-dont-bribe-cops-public-warned