KUALA LUMPUR: The police have been urged to continue being transparent and inform the public on actions taken against members of the force involved in cases of misconduct, said prominent social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
This, said the Alliance of Safety Community (Ikatan) chairman, is important to assure the public that police are firm and that the long arm of the law will not tolerate indiscipline among members of the force.
He nevertheless commended the commitment shown by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and his deputy Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to 'put the house in order'.
"It is important for the public to know that police are firm and the top brass in the force are strict about the management of actions and discipline.
"This kind of information that is being shared in the media and the public will provide some assurance to the public that the police are taking action against errant policemen and that they are not hiding anything," he said.
Lee, who is a recipient of the Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) honorary life membership, made the call following the recent increase in cases of misconduct involving policemen.
Razarudin had last year said that a total of 5,073 policemen were subjected to disciplinary action, including dismissal, from 2020 to May last year.
He added that 154 policemen were sacked last year compared to 117 in 2021 and 135 in 2020.
Lee also highlighted the greater need to cultivate the culture of good ethics among members of the force.
"In any organisation, irrespective if private or public, with such a huge number of workforce, there will always be some rotten apples.
"What needs to be done is to ensure that these bad apples can be identified much earlier so that they can be monitored and action is taken against them.
"The IGP and his deputy have demonstrated strong leadership and driven home the message that they will not compromise any form of misconduct," Lee said.