Govt must change practice of using private security firms, says Patriot

KUALA LUMPUR – Retired servicemen group National Patriot Association (Patriot) has called upon the government to change its practice of using contracted privatised security guard services in light of the verbal abuse that happened to two of The Vibes’ journalists yesterday.

Its president, retired Brigadier General Datuk Mohamed Arshad Raji said the authorities must address this incident in a responsible and accountable manner or it will set a culture of violation for the rights of Malaysians.

“Certainly, this is not the sole and first reported incident of hired security guards taking the law into their own hands or situations where government departments contracting such services continue to remain absolved of any blame.

“Perhaps the government should seriously revamp the entire practice of using contracting privatized security guard services and instead either employ retired police/military servicemen who are better informed about our rights as citizens, or even review the smart option of expanding the Polis Bantuan unit.

“Hence in condemning this uncalled for violation, Patriot demands a permanent remedy from the authorities or relevant ministry,” said the veterans association chief.

Arshad stressed that it is unacceptable for the authorities to absolve themselves from any wrongdoing simply because the “thuggish” security guard is not an Immigration Department personnel.

He pointed out that the fact that the department is soliciting and contracting a private security firm to provide services at its place of business – therefore it must be held equally accountable for such aggression, seeing that it puts public safety at risk while violating media rights.

“We are also disturbed by the body language and the artifacts (attire and grooming) of the security guard. We wonder whether this is the new standard, which appears more thuggish than trained, disciplined security personnel.

“In the first place what right does a security guard have to confiscate the personal belonging or working tool of the journalist? If this is not a serious violation then we invite the police to enlighten us,” said the retired soldier.

Yesterday, The Vibes’ reporters were told that they required formal approval from management authorities to take pictures and videos of those standing in line along the corridors at the Pudu UTC.

When they attempted to speak with people in the crowd, they were told to leave the premises, otherwise more guards would be called to forcefully escort them out.

Later on, the guards forcefully snatched away the journalist’s phone when they realised they were being recorded, while shouting at the reporters to leave.

“You need permission to be here! This is UTC, do you understand?!” a guard shouted at the reporters. – The Vibes, May 15, 2022