http://dapmalaysia.org  

Four  challenges  for the new IGP – chief of which is to end the new phenomenon of the fear of crime and  restore the people’s fundamental right to safety in the streets, public spaces and the privacy of their homes   Media Statement by Lim Kit Siang (Petaling Jaya, Wednesday): DAP congratulates  Datuk Seri Mohamad Bakri Omar on his appointment as the new Inspector-General of Police, taking over from Tan Sri Norian Mai on the latter’s retirement.  Yesterday, the new Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi chaired the National Security Council (NSC) meeting for the first time following his appointment.  After the meeting, which was attended by Cabinet Ministers and top officers involved with defence and the police, the NSC secretary Datuk Jaafar Ismail said Abdullah was satisfied with the security situation.  The new Prime Minister should not  be complacent about the security situation, especially with the new phenomenon of the fear of crime which has become the bugbear of Malaysians in recent years, whether for the safety of themselves or their loves ones as a result of the serious crime waves in the country.  Bakri has four challenges as the new IGP – chief of which is to end the double rise in crime rate and the new fear of crime in many areas in the country and  to restore the people’s fundamental right to security and to feel safe in  the streets, public spaces and the privacy of their  homes.  The top police challenges which Bakri must give the highest priority are:  Restoration of  public confidence in the professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness of the police service to reduce crime, the fear of crime and reassure the people about the safety of the streets, public spaces and homes. Police recognition and acceptance of the right of the people to demand accountability, transparency and higher standards in the delivery of one of the most basic functions of all governments through the ages – the police service to provide security and protection to the citizenry. Establishment of an independent Police Ombudsman who is not part of the Police force to conduct independent investigations into complaints against the police for abuses of power, including false arrests and trigger-happy police shootings and killings. Establishment of a National Policing Forum to provide a formal  structure to involve the various communities and the civil society to ensure a modern, professional, competent and responsive police force to deliver quality world-class police service to reduce crime, the fear of crime and reassure the people about the safety of streets, public places and the homes. It is only when the Police has accomplished these four challenges that the new Prime Minister should feel satisfied about the security situation in the country. (5/11/2003) * Lim Kit Siang, DAP National Chairman