Cops under fire: Malaysians believe there is still hope

CAN one rotten apple really spoil the whole barrel?

Speaking to the man on the street, The Vibes learnt that some believe there is still hope if the rotten apples are removed fast.

This is concerning our police force which has come under fire following two recent incidents which have put a huge dent in public confidence.

While social media is abuzz with backlash, The Vibes spoke to several Malaysians who believe there is still a fair number of good policemen sincere in carrying out their duties.

Melvin Tan, 52, said he had personally encountered policemen who were kind and courteous and willing to help someone in need.

"So far, my encounters with policemen have been pleasant though I have heard horror stories.

"My house was broken into once and the policemen who assisted me were very professional and helpful," said the technician from Subang Jaya.

Suhaimi Sidek, 35, a medical assistant, said he was divided in his opinion as he had encountered the 'good and the bad'.

"Overall, I would say there is still hope. But it must start from the top. We cannot just go after the 'ikan bilis' if there are 'bigger fish' at the top.

"I was shocked to read the recent reports and hope something is done soon to restore public confidence," said the father of two from Petaling Jaya.

The police have come under fire following news reports over the arrest of two policemen on suspicion of involvement in the rape and robbery of a teenage Uzbek girl in Bukit Ampang on Tuesday.

Selangor police chief, Datuk Hussein Omar Khan said two reports have since been lodged by a man and woman, both of whom are college students.

Both suspects have since been arrested and remanded pending investigations.

In the second incident, footage surfaced showing a man repeatedly slapping another person he was standing over.

The man was allegedly a station head and Johor police chief Kamarul Zaman Mamat has since said that the video was recorded on April 15, 2023, the same day the suspect was arrested.

He said the policeman would be transferred immediately.

"These incidents have tarnished the image of the police and something must be done to restore confidence. Corruption must be weeded out as I believe that is a major hurdle in the police force.

"I have seen some traffic cops going out of their way to assist motorists in trouble, even during heavy rain. I worry that those dishonest ones will sooner or later manipulate the good ones," said Firdaus Abdullah, 50, an investment consultant from Klang.

Nelson Peters, 44, from Seri Kembangan, Kuala Lumpur, said he had encountered both 'crooked' and 'straight' policemen.

"I guess like in every aspect of society, there are the good and bad apples. The most important thing is to stop the rot before it spreads to all.

"The government can do its part and maybe give the police better benefits and opportunities so they won't be forced to resort to illegal activities to fund their lifestyles," he said. - The Vibes, January 13, 2024