IGP WON’T CONDONE WRONGDOINGS
‘Discard practice of not reporting crimes, misconduct among colleagues in force’
INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador yesterday called on the police force to do away with the “blue code of silence” and break free from age-old unhealthy traditions that could mar their image.
The blue code of silence refers to terms used to denote the informal code of silence among police officers not to report on a colleague’s errors, misconduct, or crimes, including police brutality.
Hamid said such practices were influences from certain western enforcement agencies and they should not be emulated.
“We do not want the country’s police force to continue practising the culture and mindset from the past while serving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
“We don’t want them to have the mindset that wrongdoings of a fellow cop or the unjust treatment of an innocent whistleblower are acceptable.
“We have to be impartial and practise high integrity in executing police duties, regardless of one’s rank and position,” he said.
He was responding and elaborating to his remarks last week on the existence of a “police cartel” within the force.
Hamid said a fraction within the force was unhappy with the positive changes he had brought to the police force after he was reappointed from his retirement to head the men in blue, two years ago.
“I want the police force to have the highest level of integrity and work ethics, so that we are respected as a world-class enforcement agency, on a par with other world-class agencies.
“Don’t ever think you’re untouchable because you’re a policeman and can go around using your powers on the innocent and defenceless public or whistleblowers.
“Please be reminded that all this is not permanent. This glory and the fear people have of you only last so long as you wear this blue uniform. No one is going to
respect you once it is gone, so take pride in your job,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Selangor police headquarters.
Hamid had revealed that there were a small group of officers, including a few from senior ranks, that have not been carrying out their duties as required.
He said they were misusing the police powers vested in them to exploit lower rank officers and extort money from unscrupulous individuals involved
in illegal activities.
“There is no such thing as I am so and so’s men or he is someone’s strongman within the force. Everyone is the same and will be treated equally.
“I believe I have been just in my actions and I make sure that I do not neglect my men’s welfare.”
Hamid apologised to Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin for keeping the matter under wraps, as he felt that it was an internal issue and it was under control.
“I am confident that I’m able to put a stop to this old-school mentality among this small group of officers. That is why it was not brought up to the SPP (Police Force Commission) meetings.
“PDRM is not my own. I have a responsibility towards some 32 million population in this country. I have to be just and fair.”
He said the negative culture promoted by these people had not excluded him from sharing the blame as a few of them blamed him for their illegal activities.
“We admit, we are not perfect. But PDRM should not be used to threaten the public or whistleblowers.
“Just because someone blows your cover, you (take) revenge (on) them, that’s not right,” he added.
On North Korea’s decision to sever diplomatic ties with Malaysia, Hamid said although there was no imminent threat, police had stepped up precautionary measures in the country following the expulsion of North Korean embassy personnel and their families from Malaysia last week.
“We must remain vigilant and be prepared to face the many possibilities,” he said.