I REFER to Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzin Harun’s working trip to Turkey.

It is surprising that there are those who do not see anything wrong with this trip. It is crystal clear that it is unethical. Amusingly, those who were in the corridors of power before GE14 can see the conflict of interest now but those in the relevant positions of the present government, cant.

It also does not augur well for police reform and in the overall war against abuse of power in government.

The opposition, who were in disarray after GE14, have regrouped and evidently have a spring in their step after winning the last by-election in Cameron Highlands. 

This is in stark contrast to the government, which seems to be having trouble grappling with unity, morals, ethics and credibility issues in trying to be consistent with their manifesto. Calling a spade a spade, is getting more difficult as the days go by.

This trip by the police to Turkey is unethical as it is in conflict of interest to their roles and functions as stipulated in the Police Act. The spirit of policing without fear or favour has been compromised. It comes as no surprise that even some senior cops came out with a strong statements against this. They see the problem clear as day.

The police should abstain from all private sponsored trips as such acceptance of luxurious sponsorships goes against every grain and fibre of all that the uniform stands for. 

The men in blue on the ground will be affected in giving priority to major crimes, property crimes, community policing, etc, when many of their top superiors are given a luxurious sponsored working trip by a major gambling organisation. A high-powered delegation of senior cops undoubtedly signifies priority.

The message sent to the ground will be misinterpreted in more ways than one. Will not these organisations have the leverage to pressure those on the ground to give priority to their vested interests. The possibility by itself is disturbing. 

Are not all forms of gambling a vice that has to be curbed, although we respect the right of an individual to indulge in it legally?

How such a working trip will effectively enhance the approach in the battle against online gambling really leaves much to be desired.

How alarming are gambling offences in comparison to keeping public order and curbing serious offences. In fact, gambling offences are not part of the crime index, which is the yardstick used to measure and compare crime statistics.

It is further confusing when some of these high-ranking officers in the entourage are just a few months away from mandatory retirement. 

It is disappointing that the Home Ministry has come out in defence of the trip, when actually alarm bells should have been triggered as to whether police roles and functions have been compromised with such sponsorships.

The amount spent by the sponsors were excessive and would have been put to better use if it was donated to the police through the Home Ministry for improving facilities.

I agree with some of the senior cops who were irked with the purpose of the trip. Top leadership must to be seen to lead by example and to keep morale intact by ensuring that those under the command of the IGP have full trust and confidence in all that he does in fulfilling his duties and responsibilities. It can affect morale at every level of command and control.

The timing of such a working holiday is another relevant issue in view of the leadership transition expected over the next 3 months.

It boils down to the invested interests of the sponsor. The more priority police gives to these type of sponsors, the more profit they make. It is as direct as that.

Hopefully this will be the last of such sponsorships.

* 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.