Nanta: Review decision to reduce number of S’wakian police personnel serving in state

KUCHING: The top brass in Bukit Aman has been urged to reconsider its decision to reduce the number of Sarawakian police personnel serving in the state, from 70 per cent to 40 per cent.

Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister Dato Sri Alexander Nanta Linggi, who made the call, said the 30 per cent reduction was “substantial” and could cause anxiety among Sarawakian police personnel currently serving in their home state, as well as their families.

“I think this matter needs to be deliberated in depth, including the rationale behind the reduction as it creates anxiety among personnel involved including their family members,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Nanta was commenting on remarks by Bukit Aman Management Department director Datuk Ramli Din who during a working visit to the state on Nov 20 was reported as saying the 70 per cent-figure of Sarawakians serving in the state exceeded the Royal Malaysia Police’s target of 40 per cent of locals serving in their home state.

Ramli was also reported to have said that in view of this, the police will consider reducing the number in stages to about 40 per cent, including in Sabah, as part of its rotation posting procedure, especially for high-profile posts, and to give opportunities to senior personnel to be posted back to their home state.

Nanta said while he has no intention of interfering in the administrative affairs of the police of Home Affairs Ministry, an explanation was necessary to avoid negative perceptions or sentiments among Sarawakians.

“And, as the people’s representative representing the voice of Sarawak, this matter needs to be raised to be given due attention by the top management in Bukit Aman,” he added.

However, Nanta said he had no objections if the postings involved senior personnel as part of their promotion, whether to Bukit Aman or other places outside the state.

“Same goes for junior officers or personnel to earn more experience which can contribute to their career development.”