KUCHING, June 11: State Reform Party (STAR) urges new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador to spare no effort in wiping out corruption in the police force.
STAR president Lina Soo, while applauding the bravery of the IGP in highlighting the challenges faced by lower-ranked police personnel, wondered if the low salaries had contributed to the corruption culture.
“A police constable may take home a salary of RM1,200 per month, and he or she has to pay for motorbike loan, utilities, healthcare and needs of the spouse and children, on top of providing three square meals for the family,” she acknowledged in a statement today.
This is living below the poverty level, she noted, while pointing out that their salaries were the lowest when compared with Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia.
She agreed with Abdul Hamid’s proposal that lower-ranked police personnel salaries, logistics and requirements be given priority to enhance the integrity of the police force, as the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) formed the main pillar in maintaining stability and integrity of the nation in upholding the law, public order and security.
“It is very brave of the IGP to suggest that higher salaries can minimise the temptation to commit crimes (to earn extra money); thus, suggesting that poverty may be directly linked to corruption,” she said.
However, if corruption has now developed into an endemic issue, Soo emphasised that increasing salaries alone might not be the answer.
“The heads of the cartel(s) who protect corrupt policemen must be taken down too, to weed out the root of the problem,” she suggested.
Hence, Soo hoped the IGP would also strike fear into the hearts of rogue police officers who are operating a clandestine system of corruption to enrich themselves. — DayakDaily
