Former IGP Musa says it right


FORMER inspector-general of police Musa Hassan correctly stressed that there is no specific law against recording any acts of an enforcement agency when they carry out their duties in public.

However, if the act of recording leads to a hindrance or obstruction that prevents the officers from carrying out their duty or affects the outcome of the raid, seizure or arrest then it is an offence.

This is stating the obvious and not only applies to the act of recordings but any other act for that matter. Recording by itself does not infringe any law and the onus is on the individual to ensure that while he is recording the raid, seizure or arrest, he does not physically obstruct, hinder or affect the outcome of the enforcement team’s objective.

Opinionated judgments are not law but merely guides to applying a specific law. The degree of persuasiveness differs from case to case.

It is opined that the police should embrace public recordings in all situations, including those that involve their overt operations as it is in line with the principle of using body cameras.

It will lead to greater transparency and ultimately higher police accountability and professionalism.

On another note, Musa is absolutely right in emphasising that the police have to serve all who wish to lodge a report at a police station regardless of their attire.

Not only is it in tandem with the slogan “Ready to Serve”, it is also for reasons that time is of the essence when it comes to saving lives, property and collecting evidence.

There are many dire and critical situations that force victims to come to a station in whatever attire they are in to seek police help.

This is further compounded by the traumatised state they are in when they suffer damage, injury, loss or intimidation.

Personnel manning the enquiry counters must keep their focus on the seriousness of the report at hand rather than looking at the attire of a complainant.

It’s a question of priority parallel to police functions and roles in the Police Act, apart from the fact that there are specific laws in the Minor Offences Act and the Police Act to deal with indecency and unruly behaviour at police stations. – February 5, 2023.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.


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