A forward-looking law enforcement agency must be equipped with institutional culture and ethical foundation to command trust and legitimacy - July 5, 2025
Former MP and community safety advocate calls for reforms that go beyond tools and technology to rebuild trust, professionalism, and morale within the force
THE police force must undergo urgent modernisation to meet the demands of increasingly complex crimes and a more discerning public, according to Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye, who warns that professionalism without integrity will no longer suffice.
In a statement issued today, Lee said a forward-looking law enforcement agency must be equipped not only with cutting-edge technology, but also with the institutional culture and ethical foundation to command trust and legitimacy.
“Law enforcement must keep pace with new forms of crime, including cybercrime, financial fraud and transnational threats. This requires constant investment in advanced forensic tools, AI-powered crime analysis, body-worn cameras and digital infrastructure,” he said.
However, Lee argued that the real cornerstone of a modern police force is integrity. “A modern police force must not only be professional and efficient but also grounded in integrity, transparency, and genuine care for its personnel to remain effective and trustworthy.”
He urged a zero-tolerance stance on corruption and called for a strengthening of the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), alongside transparent investigation mechanisms.
Public engagement must also play a central role in reform, Lee said, stressing the need for “community policing and open dialogues” to rebuild trust between officers and the communities they serve.
“A professional force is one where personnel are respected, well-treated and cared for,” he said, warning that without improved working conditions, fair promotions, mental health support and adequate housing, the police risk being weighed down by burnout and low morale.
Lee further suggested reforms in recruitment and promotion that prioritise merit and character, along with more robust channels for public feedback to keep the force accountable.
Ultimately, he argued, trust cannot be manufactured—it must be earned. “Public trust in the police can only be earned through exemplary conduct,” he said. - July 5, 2025
police reform, Lee Lam Thye, law enforcement, community policing, EAIC, public trust, cybercrime, governance
