Corruption in the police force only involves a few bad apples but their actions have tarnished the reputation of all law enforcers, says deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
He said he regretted such a perception due to the handful of police officers and personnel when the majority have been performing their duties with integrity and dedication, Bernama reported.
Ayob Khan added that corruption-related offences must be dealt with firmly, regardless of the rank of the individuals involved.
He said he had never compromised with any officers or personnel involved in such offences during his tenure as Johor police chief, director of the Bukit Aman narcotics criminal investigation department (NCID), and director of the Bukit Aman criminal investigation department (CID).
“In Johor, when I served as police chief, some officers and personnel were subjected to action under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
“At the NCID, officers with the ranks of superintendent, ASP, and inspector were also placed under Special Preventive Measures,” he was quoted as saying after the launch of the book “Antologi Puisi Makan Suap” at the Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka (DBP) in Kuala Lumpur last night.
He also stressed that attempts to cover up corruption cases involving police officers to protect the reputation of the force would only allow such activities to fester and become harder to prevent.
“I will not compromise. If I detect such cases, the first step is to refer major cases to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“The second step is to open an investigation paper, and the third is to initiate disciplinary proceedings,” he said.
Meanwhile, in his speech at the book launch, Ayob Khan said he would continue to speak out, reprimand, and remind all police officers and personnel about the disgraceful and humiliating nature of corrupt practices.
He also reaffirmed his firm stance to tackle this reprehensible culture, despite attempts by a few parties, both within and outside the force, to portray corruption in the police force as difficult to eradicate.
He added that Bukit Aman remains committed to upholding integrity, particularly in tackling corruption and abuse of power, and will continue to ensure that national security and public order are maintained while delivering services at the highest standard.
