Police Act amendments passed, including on king’s honorary rank

THE Dewan Rakyat yesterday passed 10 amendments to the Police Act 1967, including a new insertion that stipulates that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will be the honorary commissioner-inchief of the police force.

The bill, tabled for the second and third readings by Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, saw 15 debate sessions.

Shamsul Anuar said the new provision aimed to confer honour on the king on matters relating to police customs, traditions and protocols.

He added that the provision was also to recognise the king’s position as the ruler in line with Article 32 of the constitution.

“The amendment recognises the king’s power to appoint the inspector-general of police upon the recommendation of the Police Force Commission and after considering the advice of the prime minister.”

He added that there was also no concern regarding the possibility of the king facing trial at the International Criminal Court for related cases. This, he said, was because the authority over the command and control of the police force lay with the I- GP as outlined in the Police Act.

He said the proposal to confer the honorary rank was approved at the 265th Conference of Rulers meeting last month.

Other amendments to the bill include providing for police to conduct escort duty on public roads.

The amendment will also see the maximum fine for anyone obstructing such duties or failing to heed directions increased from RM200 to RM10,000 and imprisonment from three months to two years.

It also sought to increase the maximum fine from RM1,000 to RM2,000 and imprisonment from six months to one year for the offence under that provision, which relates to employers who fail to re-employ reserve police officers.