THE inspector-general of police’s recent statement on the existence of dirty cops who are collaborating with criminals are serious allegations, more so when it comes from the highest office of the police force.

Going by Abdul Hamid Bador’s constant and consistent emphasis on the gravity of the situation, the matter at hand is more worrying than anytime previously when such allegations surfaced.

Many of Hamid’s predecessors have acknowledged the same problems and have made similar statements to weed out these black sheep within the ranks.

The alleged deviant officers and “crime cartels” are able to make use of their police powers for illegal intent and really are criminals in disguise. They are criminally more dangerous than the common crook.

However, I would believe that they are but a few and it is not the norm with the majority serving personnel, but nonetheless, the IGP’s warning that senior officers are collaborating with criminals is extremely alarming.

Obviously the problem at hand is deeply embedded in the system and our top cop’s revelations indicate that we require great political will in getting a grip of it.

Alarm bells have actually been ringing for some time now, especially ever since Hamid was appointed but the lackadaisical response from the political landscape, which is not reacting in tandem, is quite worrisome.

In fact, the silence from the executive, who are directly responsible and accountable for the police service, is deafening!

It is also disturbing that Hamid insinuated that there is a diabolical paradigm of thought by many from the middle ranks who seemingly can articulate the structure of police leadership in the near future to collaborate with criminals.

This is a mind boggling allegation to say the least!

This statement, coming from the IGP, must be viewed seriously. There must be parliamentary demand for further clarity by what he meant.

The lack of sociopolitical reaction to such an alarming allegation is, needless to say, extremely disappointing. Notwithstanding the devastating effect his statements on the matter will have on the overall morale of the police force.

Who are these wolves in sheep’s clothing? How are they working with criminals? Who exactly are these criminals? These are only the basic questions that need to be asked.

Meticulous and thorough investigations can identify them and subsequently will open more doors. I trust the IGP should have all the evidence to back up his statements.

It is surprising that our politicians across the divide have not insisted on further clarity on the matter. Even more crucial is the question whether the IGP needs help in facing off these traitors, or has he gone overboard with these image-marring allegations?

We need answers and we need them fast as the integrity, pride and honour of the police force is at stake. We need answers and we need them quickly.

Present and past serving officers should be roped in to form an independent inquiry to address the allegations made.

Remaining silent is not an option for the sake of the image and potency of the Royal Malaysian Police apart from the fact that we owe an explanation to not only those serving dutifully and honestly, but to all those who have served in the past with total dedication. – January 4, 2021.

* 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.