Topic: Police Cartel
Coverage by: Free Malaysia Today
Related news: https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2021/05/01/continue-igps-efforts-to-combat-dirty-cops-cartel-graft-say-ngos/
PETALING JAYA: The incoming inspector-general of police (IGP) Acryl Sani Abdullah should continue the efforts by Abdul Hamid Bador in combating corruption and the “dirty cops” cartel.
The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) said action should be taken against policemen involved in the cartel as it had adversely affected the image of the law enforcement agency.
“The IGP (Hamid) has exposed worrying information about the corrupt activities among members in the police force,” C4 executive director Cynthia Gabriel said.
“We commend Hamid’s courage in trying to eradicate corruption on a large scale in the force. We also congratulate Acryl Sani and hope he prioritises the investigation into the police cartel.
“Furthermore, a crackdown is needed to end such activities which have tarnished the image of the police among the general public,” she told FMT.
Gabriel said C4 had hoped that Hamid’s contract would be extended to enable him to complete his efforts in dismantling corrupt activities, including that in the police force.
Rights group Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) also wanted the new IGP to continue to uncover internal issues involving police personnel, including the issue of the “dirty cops” cartel.
Its executive director, Sevan Doraisamy, said Acryl Sani should continue Hamid’s efforts by urging the government to establish the long-proposed Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
“Will the issue of cleaning up internal corruption, which was uncovered by Hamid, be continued by the new IGP?
“It is very important for him to restore trust in the police force. Even though the previous IGP did not release the names of the police personnel involved, the new IGP can reveal them and explain his plans to continue this effort.”
Sevan said he was worried that Hamid’s efforts in combating corruption and the police cartel would be discontinued after he leaves.
“The courage of the outgoing IGP should be taken into account to clean up the police force,” he said.
According to Sevan, other daily issues such as death and torture in custody, abuse of power and detention without a trial should also be investigated besides cases of corruption.
He said it was also important to hold meetings with stakeholders to further improve the police force.
Hamid had previously exposed the existence of a movement among young officers who he claimed sought to topple him. He said this group intended to dominate the police force for their personal benefit.
Yesterday, home minister Hamzah Zainudin presented Acryl Sani, the current deputy IGP, with his appointment letter. Acryl Sani is set to take office on May 4, replacing Hamid whose two-year contract ends on Monday.
