INSPECTOR-GENERAL of Police Abdul Hamid Bador admitted to walking a tightrope when it came to the issue of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

He has been in the news lately with his repeated calls to the government to improve the living conditions and salaries of his 135,000 force.

On the other hand, he has to deal with the numerous complaints against the force, police officers’ alleged lack of professionalism, corruption and the damning report from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) on two missing activists.

“If recent reports are anything to go by, it would seem that all I am interested in is the welfare of my men,” Hamid told The Malaysian Insight.

“That is not true. The welfare of my men and the way they carry out their duties must be in tandem.”

The IGP said he was not being selfish when he urged the government to consider raising the salary of his men, but added that he was taking into account the sentiment raised by the masses about the level of professionalism in the police force.

“I am going down to as many police stations and headquarters as I can to hear from my men directly about their grouses. By visiting them in an unofficial manner, I will be getting the truth.

“This information will then be given to the government and this will be a strong argument to ask for a better salary or living condition.

“However, I am not being selfish. I am not doing this just for the police officers but also taking into consideration the sensitivities of the public who are expecting more from the police force.

“This is why I said, the welfare of policemen and the needs of the public must go in tandem.”

Hamid said this was why when he took over, one of his earliest orders to his men was to cut ties with the underworld.

The police force under his watch won’t compromise on corruption or crimes committed by its own members.

The 61-year-old police chief admitted that corruption had almost become a culture in the force.

He also recently gave out a warning to all district police chiefs not to collect funds for Hari Raya open houses.

“Corruption has almost become the culture in the force and this is very negative.

“A little bit of misuse of power will bring problems to the society. I have to be fair not just to the police force but also to the people and the government.”

Hamid became the first IGP to agree with the implementation of IPCMC but said he was not trying to be a hero in this issue.

“It’s not my intention to be a champion. I am sincere. If we increase our service to the people and nation, it will subsequently send a positive message to foreign investors and tourists.

“The first question that investors will ask the government is on our security. Is it safe to invest here? Is Kuala Lumpur being run by the underworld? We have a job to ensure that investors come in by being professional in our duty to the country.”

IPCMC was among the 125 recommendations made by a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) formed in February 2004 following public uproar over a growing number of deaths in detention and claims of police brutality. 

The RCI recommended an independent body to be set up to oversee the police to improve their efficiency and to make the force more effective in modern law enforcement.

The police, however, were against it as they already have a police commission to govern disciplinary matters.

The establishment of IPCMC was also one of the pledges in Pakatan Harapan’s manifesto for the 14th general election. – June 17, 2019.