Graft-proof cops bring honour to the force

AT the recent launch of the Police Integrity Campaign it was revealed that last year, despite being offered huge bribes, 153 policemen chose to lodge reports about the attempts rather than accept the bribes.

For their honesty, these policemen were awarded letters of commendation for upholding the integrity of the force.

Integrity is vital for any law enforcement agency and the police are no exception.

If a policeman accepts bribes, it is not only damaging to his reputation but also severely affects the integrity of the force.

Undoubtedly, the 153 policemen who lodged reports to the MACC after being offered bribes are the kind of men in blue the force should have.

They have set a fine example of what integrity in the force is all about and are worthy of emulation by their colleagues.

For their commitment towards honesty and integrity, these cops should not only be given just letters of commendation but should be duly rewarded in other ways such as promotional prospects, if they qualify.

More stories of honest policemen in our community should be told so that the public will not always have a negative perception of the force when it comes to corrupt practices.

Not every policeman is corrupt and we have been told by the IGP that less than 1% of the police force, totalling 120,000 last year, was caught for corruption.

The action taken is a step in the right direction and the ultimate objective should be towards striving for zero corruption and other immoral practices.

More anti-corruption slogans and integrity campaigns within the police force should be conducted to instil in each and everyone noble values and the importance of integrity.

Lastly, the public can also play an important role in preventing corruption by not offering bribes to the law enforcement officers. TAN SRI LEE LAM THYE, Vice-chairman, Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation.