BUKIT Aman should investigate police’s conduct in the case of Kogee Sinniah, said Maria Chin Abdullah.

The former Bersih 2.0 chairman said the incident involving businesswoman Kogee, who had uploaded a video on Facebook complaining about being harassed on the road and the treatment she got from cops when she sought help at the Alam Damai station in Cheras, reflects the dire need for police to act with greater compassion and sensitivity towards Malaysians.

“Of course (Bukit Aman) should investigate, but I would like to emphasise that it’s about building a professional police force that respects everyone’s rights,” she told The Malaysian Insight.

Yesterday, police arrested three youths, following the video uploaded online by Kogee.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Commissioner Mazlan Lazim said the trio are being investigated for criminal intimidation.

He said Kogee had been in a panicked state, and had admitted that there might have been a misunderstanding when she arrived at the station’s sentry post.

Maria said no one should go through what Kogee experienced.

“Unfortunately, police are not very good at taking responsibility for their mistakes.

“It is time to bring back the recommendations in the report of the 2005 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police.”

The report, which was passed in Parliament, makes 125 recommendations, including clear standards on police’s management and operations.

An issue raised in the report is the lack of public trust and confidence in the police force, which is “generally viewed as inefficient, uncaring, unable to prevent or check crime… infringements of human rights are extensive, and police are not seen as being transparent or accountable to the public”.

Maria said this is not in line with police’s forward-looking mission statement.

“Police integrity is a major concern. Standards have to be set to ensure a conducive atmosphere that will sustain the police force’s dedication, hard work and mental fortitude to serve the people.”

Women’s Aid Organisation communications officer Tan Heang-Lee said Bukit Aman must investigate the case, and ensure that everyone who seeks refuge at a police station receives the protection to which they are entitled.

“It is police’s duty to protect the public, and they must act with respect, empathy and compassion.

“If we don’t feel safe at a police station, then the government has failed in protecting us. If we can’t trust the public institution mandated to protect us, where do we go?” she said in a statement.

She urged the government to make stalking a crime, citing Kogee’s experience.

“Stalking is not a crime in Malaysia, and current laws are inadequate.

“Many countries have recognised stalking as a problem, and their laws provide people with protection against stalking.

“Malaysia must follow suit and make stalking a crime.” – March 14, 2018.