Police mum on reshuffle
> Too much publicity can create negative perception about the force: Ahmad Zahid
SEPANG: Police will not announce details of a major reshuffle at Bukit Aman’s narcotics department to avoid creating a negative perception about officers who are being transferred.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who helms the Home Ministry, said he will let the police conduct the exercise internally.
“Although we appreciate the efforts of other agencies outside the Home Ministry in monitoring us, excessive publicity could leave a negative perception about the police,” Ahmad Zahid said after visiting an orang asli village in Bukit Dugang, Dengkil.
Also present was Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.
Ahmad Zahid said the ministry is monitoring comments on the internet regarding the reshuffle and said the government is committed to improving the situation.
“We are committed to listening and be sensitive to the people’s plights, and we are also following the comments made by netizens on action taken by the police over the issue,” he said.
Meanwhile, Noor Rashid said police are re-evaluating their policy on reshuffling personnel every three years.
He said there are many issues to consider before implementing the policy.
“In every enforcement agency, there will be a reshuffle policy, where after three years, they (personnel) will be transferred.
“But we have to look at many things. For example, the education of employees’ children and the moving costs, so we are being lenient on that.
“If we have to stick to the three-year reshuffle policy, then we will adhere (to it),” he said.
On May 15, Noor Rashid announced that a major reshuffle of Bukit Aman’s narcotics department was expected following the arrests of 16 policemen, including senior officers.
The policemen, some of whom were attached to the narcotics department, were alleged to have protected vice and gambling syndicates instead of going after them.