We are yet to hear former senior police officer Datuk Mat Zain Ibrahim throwing in the towel over his endless lone crusade to bring to the fore the malpractices and abuses of the AG Gani Patail and former IGP Musa Hassan in their handling of the Anuar Ibrahim’s sodomy case of 1998. Letter upon letters have been send to the relevant authorities and the same had also been posted in various blogs and the new media. The authorities chose to remained mute, deaf and dumb, and even the accused i.e. Gani Patial and Musa Hassan dare not act, let alone open their gap. I now believe that what has been written and exposed by Mat Zain is the truth, and the eerie silence of the authorities, Gani Patail and Musa Hassan proves more of their guilt than innocence.
I have known Mat Zain back in the early 80’s when he was the OCPD at Kangar, Perlis when I was then the Commanding Officer of 9th Battalion, Royal Malay Regiment based at Kepala Batas, Alor Setar, Kedah. We met on several occasions at dinner sessions and for him to have risen to become the senior investigating officer in the Anuar Ibrahim’s black eye incident is no surprise to me. I believe, he was chosen for his honesty and integrity in investigating high profile cases, without fear or favour; the hallmark of a thrust worthy and sincere police officer. I have tried to contact him on several occasions to renew old acquaintance, but I haven’t had the opportunity.
Now, Mat Zain is back with renewed rage at what he sees the ineptness and lethargy of our political master to not lift a finger to view the alleged abuse of power, corruption and fabrication of evidence by Gani Patail that had exposed the judiciary to odium. Mat Zain had also accused Gani Patail of ‘screening criminal wrongdoing, abuse of power and corrupt practices linked to VVIPs, prominent corporate figures and senior government officials, involving property and cash to the tune of several hundred of millions of ringgit, traceable to the early 90’s’. These are serious accusations that resemble cases involving high profile figures and activities of the Mafia’s in some South American states and even in Russia. Now, are already we a nation that resembles these states or worse?
What fascinates me too is the silence of our PM himself whom Mat Zain claims to have full knowledge of the abuses perpetrated by the nation’s most senior lawyer. I suppose the present top police hierarchy knows too, but why the silence? If Mat Zain isn’t telling the truth, why not charge him. And despite repeated and persistent accusations by Mat Zain, the government finds it fit to just close all cases against Gani Patail who is now seen to be untouchable by the law. Even our national leader’s hands are tight when it involves the AG. You and I know that the AG is another human being, just like anyone else and don’t tell me he is different. Having gone to the holy land Mecca thus absolves him of all worldly sins?
I sense that the government has a lot to lose if Gani Patail is being investigated and brought to justice. For all you know, bringing Gani Patail to justice can have dire consequences upon the government, and of which the government can ill afford at the moment. Gani Patail may have lots up his sleeves and his revelation in court can be disastrous for some important personalities.
I may be wrong in assuming this, but Mat Zain too cannot be wrong in making all the accusations? Mat Zain has proven himself to have stood by what he says, but the government’s response is one that shows a lack of will and commitment to act on all that Mat Zain had revealed, for some unknown reason.
So the accusations are not likely to cease and to Mat Zain, he will only have to wait awhile when justice eventually catches on the people that he wants prosecuted. His persistence will surely be rewarded – God willing.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Showing posts with label police. Show all posts
Showing posts with label police. Show all posts
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Friday, September 9, 2011
BUKIT KEPONG INCIDENT: REWARD THESE HEROES AND THEIR FAMILIES
This article is posted here with the kind permission of Lt Col Mohd Idris Hassan (Retired)
The battle of Bukit Kepong is a tale of guts and bravado displayed at its very best where men heavily outnumbered and outgunned, fought on to the very last knowing well that outcome was already determined.
It was our very own “Alamo”. It was 4.30 in the morning of February 23, 1950 when an estimated 180 communist terrorists (CTs) launched a cowardly attack on the Bukit Kepong police station in Johor, which was manned by a small group of policemen.
In the battle that lasted about five hours, the CTs killed 13 policemen, six Home Guards, three women and a child. Only four policemen escaped with serious injuries. That morning, it was not the number of policemen in the fight that counted rather it was the fight in them that really mattered.
As we celebrate our 54th Independence Anniversary, it’s time to reflect on the sacrifices of our security forces, which helped to make Malaysia a peaceful country.
If we are indeed a grateful nation, we will also not forget the sacrifices of the thousands of Britons, Gurkhas, Australians, Rhodesians, Fijians and New Zealanders who fought alongside us, to win this war against forces determined to impose their foreign ideology on our people.
On April 19, 1960, the then Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman inbi Almarhum Tuanku Muhammed in his speech in Parliament said, “The debt which the people of this country owe to the security forces, both Malayans and the Commonwealth for their sustained and courageous effort over the 12 years of Emergency cannot be over emphasized.
Now Member of Parliament Mohammed Sabu has ruffled the feathers of Malaysians by its alleged remarks that those who attacked Bukit Kepong police station were heroes because they were freedom fighters, and not because they attacked the Malay policemen.
This alleged remark are in insult to not only all family members of these policemen but also all members of the Armed Forces, past and present that bore the full brunt of the atrocities committed by the CTs.
As advised by DAP Chairman and MP Karpal Singh, Mohammed Sabu should withdraw his remarks and apologise to all he had hurt.
As we laud the bravery of these Bukit Kepong heroes today, it’s time to reflect if as a nation we had played our part in ensuring the welfare of these policemen and if their families had been well taken care of, even if they were once serving under colonial rule.
It was reported in the NST of April 15, 2005, “Last Bukit Kepong hero dies”, that Sergeant Yusoff Rano 83, died a bitter man. He felt the country had forgotten him and regretted that the government did not give him and his comrades the recognition they deserved.
His son Nazri then 35, was quoted as saying the government did not value his father’s contributions. As far as I know, only one policeman was awarded the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for gallantry by the British government.
Our country gained independence seven years later, yet these heroes and the families of those who perished did not receive any significant acknowledgement from the authorities.
In the case of Yusoff, all he had to show for his heroism was a medal Pingat Jasa Kebaktian from the Malacca government and that too, 48 years later. The then Deputy Home Minister visited the family to discuss the possibility of conferring Yusoff a posthumous Panglima Gagah Berani, the nation’s second highest award for gallantry.
The Malacca Chief Minister had also said the government would publish a book on Yusoff’s struggle during the Emergency and consider giving the royalties from the book to his family.
Why did the authorities wait for this ailing 83 year old to die before coming forward with offers of help? In addition, what about all his comrades who had passed on?
As far as I am aware, nothing has come out of these undertakings until today. It is like the Malay saying, “ seperti hangat hangat tahi ayam”, a lot of interest only at the beginning which soon fizzles out.
I appeal to the authorities to review the Bukit Kepong incident and consider posthumous awards of gallantry for all the deserving policemen and monetary rewards for all their immediate families.
With the awards, these gallant policemen should have their photographs in the gallery of heroes in the police museum in Kuala Lumpur alongside other national police heroes.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
The battle of Bukit Kepong is a tale of guts and bravado displayed at its very best where men heavily outnumbered and outgunned, fought on to the very last knowing well that outcome was already determined.
It was our very own “Alamo”. It was 4.30 in the morning of February 23, 1950 when an estimated 180 communist terrorists (CTs) launched a cowardly attack on the Bukit Kepong police station in Johor, which was manned by a small group of policemen.
In the battle that lasted about five hours, the CTs killed 13 policemen, six Home Guards, three women and a child. Only four policemen escaped with serious injuries. That morning, it was not the number of policemen in the fight that counted rather it was the fight in them that really mattered.
As we celebrate our 54th Independence Anniversary, it’s time to reflect on the sacrifices of our security forces, which helped to make Malaysia a peaceful country.
If we are indeed a grateful nation, we will also not forget the sacrifices of the thousands of Britons, Gurkhas, Australians, Rhodesians, Fijians and New Zealanders who fought alongside us, to win this war against forces determined to impose their foreign ideology on our people.
On April 19, 1960, the then Yang Di Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Rahman inbi Almarhum Tuanku Muhammed in his speech in Parliament said, “The debt which the people of this country owe to the security forces, both Malayans and the Commonwealth for their sustained and courageous effort over the 12 years of Emergency cannot be over emphasized.
Now Member of Parliament Mohammed Sabu has ruffled the feathers of Malaysians by its alleged remarks that those who attacked Bukit Kepong police station were heroes because they were freedom fighters, and not because they attacked the Malay policemen.
This alleged remark are in insult to not only all family members of these policemen but also all members of the Armed Forces, past and present that bore the full brunt of the atrocities committed by the CTs.
As advised by DAP Chairman and MP Karpal Singh, Mohammed Sabu should withdraw his remarks and apologise to all he had hurt.
As we laud the bravery of these Bukit Kepong heroes today, it’s time to reflect if as a nation we had played our part in ensuring the welfare of these policemen and if their families had been well taken care of, even if they were once serving under colonial rule.
It was reported in the NST of April 15, 2005, “Last Bukit Kepong hero dies”, that Sergeant Yusoff Rano 83, died a bitter man. He felt the country had forgotten him and regretted that the government did not give him and his comrades the recognition they deserved.
His son Nazri then 35, was quoted as saying the government did not value his father’s contributions. As far as I know, only one policeman was awarded the Colonial Police Medal (CPM) for gallantry by the British government.
Our country gained independence seven years later, yet these heroes and the families of those who perished did not receive any significant acknowledgement from the authorities.
In the case of Yusoff, all he had to show for his heroism was a medal Pingat Jasa Kebaktian from the Malacca government and that too, 48 years later. The then Deputy Home Minister visited the family to discuss the possibility of conferring Yusoff a posthumous Panglima Gagah Berani, the nation’s second highest award for gallantry.
The Malacca Chief Minister had also said the government would publish a book on Yusoff’s struggle during the Emergency and consider giving the royalties from the book to his family.
Why did the authorities wait for this ailing 83 year old to die before coming forward with offers of help? In addition, what about all his comrades who had passed on?
As far as I am aware, nothing has come out of these undertakings until today. It is like the Malay saying, “ seperti hangat hangat tahi ayam”, a lot of interest only at the beginning which soon fizzles out.
I appeal to the authorities to review the Bukit Kepong incident and consider posthumous awards of gallantry for all the deserving policemen and monetary rewards for all their immediate families.
With the awards, these gallant policemen should have their photographs in the gallery of heroes in the police museum in Kuala Lumpur alongside other national police heroes.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Thursday, May 13, 2010
WHAT IS IN THE WORD……..SORRY?
Why is it so difficult to say sorry? The IGP says that the police will not apologies to the parents of school boy Aminulrasyid Amzah who was shot dead by the police late last month in Shah Alam. The parents of Aminulrasyid has demanded an apology from the police for alleging that Aminulrasyid was a suspected criminal, and that the IGP has refused to apologies citing that it could have legal implication, since the case is now with the courts.
Please forgive my ignorance and not being a lawyer, I do not understand what does the IGP means that by apologizing, they are legal implication. Is the IGP implying that by saying sorry, the police are deemed to have admitted to the murder? Or by saying sorry, it gives the parents of Aminulrasyid an advantage in court to prosecute the police for alleged murder? Or by saying sorry, the IGP has shamed the entire police force by giving in to the demands of an aggrieved mother?
My understanding of the word SORRY, I think differs from that of the IGP. As a child, my parents (and I believe that of the parents of the IGP) taught me to say sorry for every mistake that I make, regardless of whether the mistake was made deliberately or otherwise. I am told that saying sorry is to show humbleness, and an act of showing remorse. It does not really matter the magnitude of the mistake made, and how slighted the person can be. But by saying sorry upon realizing that a mistake has been made to someone, any normal person would have opened their hearts and willingly accept the apology.
I think the IGP is just too stubborn and has little remorse for the inadvertent failure of his own people. He seems not having the feeling of guilt that his men has committed a grievous mistake (rightfully or wrongfully), and that the mother of the dead victim has lost a dear son. Mind you, some mothers would go berserk upon losing someone dear, what more if being shot by the police.
The IGP opted to defend his men (rightfully or wrongfully) for an act that most would consider it too excessive. The gun is certainly not a toy. It kills and the user must know this. Letting loose a shot, or several shots deliberately aim at someone is an act intended to cause hurt or at worse death to someone. The question that I would like to pose is whether shooting is the only option to the policeman, when he suspects a criminal. Even if a crime has occurred, is shooting the criminal dead the correct cause of action? What if the crime is just stealing food from a food stall? Is death the only sentence befitting the crime of stealing food? I really do not know, but I think the policeman need to be more conscious and cautious of his action, and that what he does is not deemed too excessive. I think, this is where most policeman have failed, and that failure I presume lies in their training i.e. to be thoroughly trained to recognise how and what to act within the bounds of their powers.
By not willing to apologies, I hope the IGP has not set a bad precedence to the younger generation of police officers and ranks where the word sorry has little meaning and value. I hope too that our children and grandchildren do not take the example of the IGP where saying SORRY, seems no longer a word of humility.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Please forgive my ignorance and not being a lawyer, I do not understand what does the IGP means that by apologizing, they are legal implication. Is the IGP implying that by saying sorry, the police are deemed to have admitted to the murder? Or by saying sorry, it gives the parents of Aminulrasyid an advantage in court to prosecute the police for alleged murder? Or by saying sorry, the IGP has shamed the entire police force by giving in to the demands of an aggrieved mother?
My understanding of the word SORRY, I think differs from that of the IGP. As a child, my parents (and I believe that of the parents of the IGP) taught me to say sorry for every mistake that I make, regardless of whether the mistake was made deliberately or otherwise. I am told that saying sorry is to show humbleness, and an act of showing remorse. It does not really matter the magnitude of the mistake made, and how slighted the person can be. But by saying sorry upon realizing that a mistake has been made to someone, any normal person would have opened their hearts and willingly accept the apology.
I think the IGP is just too stubborn and has little remorse for the inadvertent failure of his own people. He seems not having the feeling of guilt that his men has committed a grievous mistake (rightfully or wrongfully), and that the mother of the dead victim has lost a dear son. Mind you, some mothers would go berserk upon losing someone dear, what more if being shot by the police.
The IGP opted to defend his men (rightfully or wrongfully) for an act that most would consider it too excessive. The gun is certainly not a toy. It kills and the user must know this. Letting loose a shot, or several shots deliberately aim at someone is an act intended to cause hurt or at worse death to someone. The question that I would like to pose is whether shooting is the only option to the policeman, when he suspects a criminal. Even if a crime has occurred, is shooting the criminal dead the correct cause of action? What if the crime is just stealing food from a food stall? Is death the only sentence befitting the crime of stealing food? I really do not know, but I think the policeman need to be more conscious and cautious of his action, and that what he does is not deemed too excessive. I think, this is where most policeman have failed, and that failure I presume lies in their training i.e. to be thoroughly trained to recognise how and what to act within the bounds of their powers.
By not willing to apologies, I hope the IGP has not set a bad precedence to the younger generation of police officers and ranks where the word sorry has little meaning and value. I hope too that our children and grandchildren do not take the example of the IGP where saying SORRY, seems no longer a word of humility.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, May 2, 2010
PLEASE MR. POLICEMAN – SHOOT THE RIGHT TARGET
It has taken me quite a while to pen this article relating to the death of 15 year old school boy Aminulrasyid Amzah who was shot by a policeman in the early hours of Monday 26 May in Shah Alam. The reason is simply because I am a bit dumb founded at the way our policeman are reacting these days, and it becomes obvious to me that there is something seriously wrong with the training of our policeman. I now begin to fear that I too can be shot at anytime, for any reason that the police may find it necessary to shot me. For a moment I thought I was in Zimbabwe or in some forsaken African state, but it wasn’t to be. Thanks,I am still in Malaysia and seeing this ‘freelance sharp shooter’ who is a government employee so willingly use his gun to stop a car really frightens me. Isn’t there any other way to stop a fleeing car, or is shooting the car the only way to stop a car? Isn’t there a thing called ‘the use of minimum force’ by way of warning shots, before a policeman ‘goes for the kill’?
I thought our policemen are equipped with high speed cars and motorcycles. And even if they are on low powered motorcycles, they have the means to call for reinforcement. Isn’t that the way they are trained?
I simply could not fathom why a gun had to be used to stop a car. If it was a fleeing car that was trying to get away from the policeman, then the policeman wasn’t in any danger of being rammed by the car. And neither was the policeman in danger of being shot, or attacked with a parang, or has already being shot by someone from the fleeing car. Neither of these things happened, and yet the policeman thought that using the gun was the best option.
Now, if the policeman were to say that he only intended to shot the car tyres to disable the car, then he is a bad shot, and he requires many more hours of training at the shooting range. And if indeed he was a poor shooter, than I think he should not have been given a gun, and the police must accept blame for allowing a poor shooter to be equipped with a gun. I now wonder when did the policeman last undergo a shooting practice?
I have handled guns before, but I must confess that I am a poor shot. Guns are not easy to use, but by virtue that a gun is the personal weapon of a policeman, then they must be experts at handling a gun and engaging a target at the right point of aim. Since, there have been numerous cases of shooting by policeman that resulted in death, I presume then that their training calls for ‘one shot one kill’ type of training. This was what was told to me by a UTK friend of mine, who does not believe in a second shot kill. In the case of the UTK, I can fully understand their reasoning because the danger to their lives is real.
The IGP’s statement following the incident when he said that “if you do not want the police to enforce the law, then say so. I will tell my men to not take any action, including conduct inspection on vehicles or arrest Mat Rempits who ride without licenses” is laughable. Such words coming from the IGP is unbecoming and makes the entire force a laughing stock. I would like to suggest that the IGP goes for a public relations course. But on second thought, it is a bit too late for him, because he has just a few months left before he retires from the force.
Let us hope that this will be the last time that we hear of a shooting of a school boy. The policeman has many other targets to shoot, like robbers, murders and kidnappers, but certainly not another school boy.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I thought our policemen are equipped with high speed cars and motorcycles. And even if they are on low powered motorcycles, they have the means to call for reinforcement. Isn’t that the way they are trained?
I simply could not fathom why a gun had to be used to stop a car. If it was a fleeing car that was trying to get away from the policeman, then the policeman wasn’t in any danger of being rammed by the car. And neither was the policeman in danger of being shot, or attacked with a parang, or has already being shot by someone from the fleeing car. Neither of these things happened, and yet the policeman thought that using the gun was the best option.
Now, if the policeman were to say that he only intended to shot the car tyres to disable the car, then he is a bad shot, and he requires many more hours of training at the shooting range. And if indeed he was a poor shooter, than I think he should not have been given a gun, and the police must accept blame for allowing a poor shooter to be equipped with a gun. I now wonder when did the policeman last undergo a shooting practice?
I have handled guns before, but I must confess that I am a poor shot. Guns are not easy to use, but by virtue that a gun is the personal weapon of a policeman, then they must be experts at handling a gun and engaging a target at the right point of aim. Since, there have been numerous cases of shooting by policeman that resulted in death, I presume then that their training calls for ‘one shot one kill’ type of training. This was what was told to me by a UTK friend of mine, who does not believe in a second shot kill. In the case of the UTK, I can fully understand their reasoning because the danger to their lives is real.
The IGP’s statement following the incident when he said that “if you do not want the police to enforce the law, then say so. I will tell my men to not take any action, including conduct inspection on vehicles or arrest Mat Rempits who ride without licenses” is laughable. Such words coming from the IGP is unbecoming and makes the entire force a laughing stock. I would like to suggest that the IGP goes for a public relations course. But on second thought, it is a bit too late for him, because he has just a few months left before he retires from the force.
Let us hope that this will be the last time that we hear of a shooting of a school boy. The policeman has many other targets to shoot, like robbers, murders and kidnappers, but certainly not another school boy.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Monday, June 8, 2009
CONTINUED POLICE VIOLENCE WILL EFFECT PUBLIC CONFIDENCE FOR THE GOVERNMENTThe IGP is said turportedly sh
The IGP is said to be furious at the video posted by RPK that purportedly showed a group of policemen beating up an alleged criminal. He claimed that the video is intended to defame the police force, and suggested that RPK, who is presently on the run from the police, “should take a good look at himself first before accusing the police”.
I do not see any reason why the IGP should be furious, but rather he should be thankful that a dastardly act has occurred, and those involved (regardless of who they are) must be fully investigated. It is not too difficult to identify the culprits, if indeed the IGP wants to be serious at finding out the truth to this entire nasty episode. And by shutting off the video from Malaysia Today, it will only cause the public to believe that the police have indeed something hide from public knowledge.
There has been so much of public hatred for the police force in recent times, and it is not getting better by the day. The many mysterious death that has occurred while in police custody has never been properly answered. And if Anwar Ibrahim had himself been brutalised while in police custody by the then IGP himself, what more if it is an ordinary person. The police has to do some extreme cleansing, to redeem themselves of their poor reputation and image in the eyes of the ordinary citizen.
And even before the 'video issue' could simmer down, a student Koh Chon Weng was alleged to have been brutalised by the police at Bandar Sunway recently. Viewing pictures of the swollen face of the student, the injuries to the face cannot possibly be self inflicted, as claimed by the police. It conjures all that Anwar Ibrahim had gone through.
It is time for the police to realise that their actions towards the public is not only causing public anger, but more importantly, affecting public confidence on the government. My honest reading of public perception towards the government in the urban areas today, is one that will not pleased the government. And if the police are not able to restrain their 'acts of violence' against the public, the results will be one that will adversely affect public support for the government, come the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
I do not see any reason why the IGP should be furious, but rather he should be thankful that a dastardly act has occurred, and those involved (regardless of who they are) must be fully investigated. It is not too difficult to identify the culprits, if indeed the IGP wants to be serious at finding out the truth to this entire nasty episode. And by shutting off the video from Malaysia Today, it will only cause the public to believe that the police have indeed something hide from public knowledge.
There has been so much of public hatred for the police force in recent times, and it is not getting better by the day. The many mysterious death that has occurred while in police custody has never been properly answered. And if Anwar Ibrahim had himself been brutalised while in police custody by the then IGP himself, what more if it is an ordinary person. The police has to do some extreme cleansing, to redeem themselves of their poor reputation and image in the eyes of the ordinary citizen.
And even before the 'video issue' could simmer down, a student Koh Chon Weng was alleged to have been brutalised by the police at Bandar Sunway recently. Viewing pictures of the swollen face of the student, the injuries to the face cannot possibly be self inflicted, as claimed by the police. It conjures all that Anwar Ibrahim had gone through.
It is time for the police to realise that their actions towards the public is not only causing public anger, but more importantly, affecting public confidence on the government. My honest reading of public perception towards the government in the urban areas today, is one that will not pleased the government. And if the police are not able to restrain their 'acts of violence' against the public, the results will be one that will adversely affect public support for the government, come the next general elections.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Sunday, June 7, 2009
ACTS OF POLICE BRUTALITY RECORDED ON VIDEO
I watched in horror a video posted along in an article by RPK's Malaysia Today dated Saturday, 06th June 2009 titled “Modern interrogation methods of the Malaysia police”, that purportedly shows a group of policemen beating up helplessly an alleged criminal in their custody. How on earth did RPK obtain the video remains a mystery, and one can only assume that it must be from the police themselves. Who else could have taken the video in a police station. Certainly, it cannot be the likes of you or me.
The scene is a shocking reminder to what the entire world saw in pictures and videos of the brutality perpetrated by US soldiers upon Iraqi prisoners in Abu Gharib prison, that caused an international outrage. Malaysians, and in particular former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamed has been in the forefront against the Abu Gharib prison brutalities, and a strong critic against the US and its western allies for the carnage that they had caused in their illegal war in Iraq.
The beatings and the brutal act of the group of policemen against the alleged criminal, will only strengthened the believe that our policemen are indeed the cause of so many death while in police custody. No civil society can accept such brutal acts by a supposedly civilised police force against an alleged criminal; even if the crime is for murder. One may recall the mysterious death of Kugan in police custody recently, and the perpetrators have yet to be formally charged in the courts. One wonders if justice will ever be served against the alleged Kugan's murderer(s).
I do not know what will be the reactions of the IGP and the legal fraternity, if the video is indeed a true recording of an alleged police brutality. At a time when Malaysians are already fed-up with what they claim as outrages curtailment of civil rights, and an obvious signs of impartiality by the police for the slightest opposition raised by the public, this video is certain to damage the credibility of our police force, as the true custodian and the protector of the law. No law abiding citizen would now want to believe that their lives will be safe while in police custody.
I only hope that Tun Mahathir would have watched the video, and to listen to what he has to comment on it.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
The scene is a shocking reminder to what the entire world saw in pictures and videos of the brutality perpetrated by US soldiers upon Iraqi prisoners in Abu Gharib prison, that caused an international outrage. Malaysians, and in particular former PM Tun Mahathir Mohamed has been in the forefront against the Abu Gharib prison brutalities, and a strong critic against the US and its western allies for the carnage that they had caused in their illegal war in Iraq.
The beatings and the brutal act of the group of policemen against the alleged criminal, will only strengthened the believe that our policemen are indeed the cause of so many death while in police custody. No civil society can accept such brutal acts by a supposedly civilised police force against an alleged criminal; even if the crime is for murder. One may recall the mysterious death of Kugan in police custody recently, and the perpetrators have yet to be formally charged in the courts. One wonders if justice will ever be served against the alleged Kugan's murderer(s).
I do not know what will be the reactions of the IGP and the legal fraternity, if the video is indeed a true recording of an alleged police brutality. At a time when Malaysians are already fed-up with what they claim as outrages curtailment of civil rights, and an obvious signs of impartiality by the police for the slightest opposition raised by the public, this video is certain to damage the credibility of our police force, as the true custodian and the protector of the law. No law abiding citizen would now want to believe that their lives will be safe while in police custody.
I only hope that Tun Mahathir would have watched the video, and to listen to what he has to comment on it.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Thursday, January 29, 2009
WHERE DID THE POLICE GO WRONG
So the A-G has rejected police findings on the Kugan murder case, and wants a more thorough investigation, reports the New Straits Times. What does this indicate?
Is there an attempt to cover up the truth in order to protect the 11 policemen involved from persecution? Or was the report too heavily tailored to make it appear that the cause of death was indeed the accumulation of fluid in the lungs as reported earlier by the CPO Selangor? Whatever the reason for the A-G’s rejection of the police findings, must have been serious enough, and the A-G knows fully well that his decision concerning this case is being watched very closely by the concerned public, and more so by the legal fraternity. And more importantly, a decision perceived by the public to be wrong, will certainly impact upon the popularity of both the government and the judiciary, that has since the last few years saw a rising tide of public anger against both the aforesaid institutions.
Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar had even voiced his concern when he said “If someone dies in custody, there is no compromise. We will investigate and take action”, and that is exactly what the public wants the police to do. And rather than do what they are suppose to do, the Selangor CPO, has come out with a statement that raises more suspicion than truth. This is where the problem lies, and the Selangor CPO must bare the full brunt of public anger.
I believe the Kugan case has been poorly handled by the police themselves. Had they taken a more friendly approach by explaining the truth to the aggrieved family, the case would not have been blown out of proportion. The police would have known exactly what had happened to Kugan when he was in custody, and by denying the truth, the entire police force is now being placed on the defensive. Everything they say now is viewed with distrust and suspicion, and it will take time for the police to regain public confidence.
I think, had the police acted more professionally by telling the truth, they would have been highly praised and regarded with dignity, and received public accolades. Certainly, by this incident, the police have missed the opportunity to redeem themselves.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 16.00pm on Jan 29, 2009
Is there an attempt to cover up the truth in order to protect the 11 policemen involved from persecution? Or was the report too heavily tailored to make it appear that the cause of death was indeed the accumulation of fluid in the lungs as reported earlier by the CPO Selangor? Whatever the reason for the A-G’s rejection of the police findings, must have been serious enough, and the A-G knows fully well that his decision concerning this case is being watched very closely by the concerned public, and more so by the legal fraternity. And more importantly, a decision perceived by the public to be wrong, will certainly impact upon the popularity of both the government and the judiciary, that has since the last few years saw a rising tide of public anger against both the aforesaid institutions.
Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar had even voiced his concern when he said “If someone dies in custody, there is no compromise. We will investigate and take action”, and that is exactly what the public wants the police to do. And rather than do what they are suppose to do, the Selangor CPO, has come out with a statement that raises more suspicion than truth. This is where the problem lies, and the Selangor CPO must bare the full brunt of public anger.
I believe the Kugan case has been poorly handled by the police themselves. Had they taken a more friendly approach by explaining the truth to the aggrieved family, the case would not have been blown out of proportion. The police would have known exactly what had happened to Kugan when he was in custody, and by denying the truth, the entire police force is now being placed on the defensive. Everything they say now is viewed with distrust and suspicion, and it will take time for the police to regain public confidence.
I think, had the police acted more professionally by telling the truth, they would have been highly praised and regarded with dignity, and received public accolades. Certainly, by this incident, the police have missed the opportunity to redeem themselves.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 16.00pm on Jan 29, 2009
WILL THERE BE ANOTHER KUGAN’S DEATH?
The death of Kugan said to have been caused by police brutality leaves another dark spot in the annals of the RMP. It was reported that over the years, 80 others have died under mysterious circumstances whilst under police detention, and the perpetrators (whoever they are) were never brought to justice. This makes the RMP a force filled with licensed murderers, and though their sins are ‘forgiven’ on earth, the same cannot be said when they are buried 6 feet under.
Regardless of whether Kugan did commit a crime or other wise, he is still a human being and has every right to be treated decently by the police. The police knows fully well that the country has all the necessary laws that governs society, and the role of the police is to ensure society is safe and protected. Making arbitrary judgment and pronouncing sentence whilst under their care is certainly not a police role. It is for the courts to decide, and don’t they know this? What can Kugan do to protect himself when there is a horde of policemen battering him? Even an elephant would not have survived under this circumstance.
The Kugan’s case has certainly opened the eyes of all Malaysians to the sort of ‘holiday treatment’ that one gets while being detained by the police. This reminds me of stories that I read about the Abu Gharib prison in Iraq, with an exception that there were no women police reported to be involved in the murder…….hopefully not.
While Kugan’s family and civil society are in grieve over this brutal act, a minister has the audacity to come out with a statement that smack of arrogance and threat. If this is how politicians respond to such a sever case as this, I can now understand why the civil society has so much of hate for this minister. I would like to place my bet that this minister’s tenure will not last the next election.
Will the Kugan’s case be a lesson to the RMP? I hope it does.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.30am on Jan 29, 2009
Regardless of whether Kugan did commit a crime or other wise, he is still a human being and has every right to be treated decently by the police. The police knows fully well that the country has all the necessary laws that governs society, and the role of the police is to ensure society is safe and protected. Making arbitrary judgment and pronouncing sentence whilst under their care is certainly not a police role. It is for the courts to decide, and don’t they know this? What can Kugan do to protect himself when there is a horde of policemen battering him? Even an elephant would not have survived under this circumstance.
The Kugan’s case has certainly opened the eyes of all Malaysians to the sort of ‘holiday treatment’ that one gets while being detained by the police. This reminds me of stories that I read about the Abu Gharib prison in Iraq, with an exception that there were no women police reported to be involved in the murder…….hopefully not.
While Kugan’s family and civil society are in grieve over this brutal act, a minister has the audacity to come out with a statement that smack of arrogance and threat. If this is how politicians respond to such a sever case as this, I can now understand why the civil society has so much of hate for this minister. I would like to place my bet that this minister’s tenure will not last the next election.
Will the Kugan’s case be a lesson to the RMP? I hope it does.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.30am on Jan 29, 2009
Thursday, January 22, 2009
POLICE ABUSE AND BRUTALITY – A CIVIL SOCIETY’S CONCERN
Malaysiakini reported the death of a 22 year old Kugan Ananthan, while in police custody at Subang Jaya police station for alleged involvement in an international car theft. He had been in custody for 5 days and was proclaimed dead on 20 January 2009. Kugan’s death is believed to have been caused by serious abuse by unknown person(s) which the police have yet to identify.
Photos of the deceased revealed (http://www.bmahendran.com) that there is a positive indication of abuse and brutality on the victim which calls to question, the high probability of police direct involvement in the case. The civil society’s perception is that there can be nobody else except the police to have cause the ultimate death of Kugan, and for however serious his offence may be, he does not deserve to die under such circumstances.
Earlier, there was another report of abuse on one Prabakaran, who was poured hot water on him causing severe bleaching of the body. The incident happened at Brickfields police station while he too was under detention. The incident is now being investigated, only after it was reported in the media resulting in 7 police officers being charged. It will be interesting to see how this case will be handled, and who among the 7 police officers will be persecuted……… or will all of them be released.
Police brutality in not new in this country. It has been going on for years, and I too bore witness to the death of a Malay soldier in police custody in Perlis many years ago. There was certainly signs of physical abuse on the body of the deceased soldier, but the parents being simple kampong folks, had accepted that their son was destined to die in that manner, and it being Allah wishes. The person(s) who had caused the soldier to die may have all retired from the force, but their guilt, I am sure will haunt them on earth and into their graves. And if they are Muslims, they fully well know that there is no hiding during judgment day, where they have no lawyers to defend them for their misdeeds and crimes committed on earth.
I have many friends in the police force and they certainly are the good ones and god fearing. Some had admitted to me how they despise the ‘activities’ of some of their colleagues whom they say had tarnished the good name of the police profession. It is not surprising that some of the ‘activities’ are carried out by the lower ranks, are in cohort with the superiors.
The above incidences of police abuse and brutality is a cause of great concern; not only to the civil society but more so to the Inspector General of Police, and the police force in general. There is already a lack of public trust and confidence in the police force over the happenings in the last two years or so, which has indirectly affected the government’s popularity as well. And to make matters worse, statements made by the Ministry of Internal Security on any piece of criticism from the public of the police force, has been one of denial.
We members of the civil society is deeply concern at the outrageous act of abuse and brutality perpetrated by officers of police force on arrestees. It appears that justice for all offenders is no longer the domain of the civil courts, but is at the whims and fancy of police officers. If this perception is not corrected, then the country might as well dispense with the civil courts and all its judges.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 16.45pm on Jan 22, 2009
Photos of the deceased revealed (http://www.bmahendran.com) that there is a positive indication of abuse and brutality on the victim which calls to question, the high probability of police direct involvement in the case. The civil society’s perception is that there can be nobody else except the police to have cause the ultimate death of Kugan, and for however serious his offence may be, he does not deserve to die under such circumstances.
Earlier, there was another report of abuse on one Prabakaran, who was poured hot water on him causing severe bleaching of the body. The incident happened at Brickfields police station while he too was under detention. The incident is now being investigated, only after it was reported in the media resulting in 7 police officers being charged. It will be interesting to see how this case will be handled, and who among the 7 police officers will be persecuted……… or will all of them be released.
Police brutality in not new in this country. It has been going on for years, and I too bore witness to the death of a Malay soldier in police custody in Perlis many years ago. There was certainly signs of physical abuse on the body of the deceased soldier, but the parents being simple kampong folks, had accepted that their son was destined to die in that manner, and it being Allah wishes. The person(s) who had caused the soldier to die may have all retired from the force, but their guilt, I am sure will haunt them on earth and into their graves. And if they are Muslims, they fully well know that there is no hiding during judgment day, where they have no lawyers to defend them for their misdeeds and crimes committed on earth.
I have many friends in the police force and they certainly are the good ones and god fearing. Some had admitted to me how they despise the ‘activities’ of some of their colleagues whom they say had tarnished the good name of the police profession. It is not surprising that some of the ‘activities’ are carried out by the lower ranks, are in cohort with the superiors.
The above incidences of police abuse and brutality is a cause of great concern; not only to the civil society but more so to the Inspector General of Police, and the police force in general. There is already a lack of public trust and confidence in the police force over the happenings in the last two years or so, which has indirectly affected the government’s popularity as well. And to make matters worse, statements made by the Ministry of Internal Security on any piece of criticism from the public of the police force, has been one of denial.
We members of the civil society is deeply concern at the outrageous act of abuse and brutality perpetrated by officers of police force on arrestees. It appears that justice for all offenders is no longer the domain of the civil courts, but is at the whims and fancy of police officers. If this perception is not corrected, then the country might as well dispense with the civil courts and all its judges.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 16.45pm on Jan 22, 2009
Saturday, January 17, 2009
ANOTHER CASE OF UNPROVOKED ABUSE BY THE POLICE
It was reported in the media that seven policemen from the Brickfields District Police Station, who were alleged to have been involved in excessive physical abuse of two detainees, have all been formally charged. This, I believe is the first case involving a large number of policemen from a single police station. There may be other similar cases that went unreported, and hence have evaded the law.
What is interesting is that the charges were made only upon a complain has being launched by the victim. Had there not been a report, the case would not have been known to the public.What I would have thought is that the report should have been made by a member of the police who was witnessed to the abuse. I am quite sure there were others who knew and saw what took place in the police station, and it is only righteous that they launched the report, rather than to play ignorant. Had the police themselves reported the abuse, the public would have accorded them the highest regards and respect. This is one opportunity where the police have failed to exploit for their good name, and to redeem themselves from being regarded in utter disgust by the public.
We all know that the police today, by their own past actions have a serious problem of regaining respect and confidence from the public. There have been too many cases of excessive manhandling and unprovoked abuse by policemen upon civilians while in detention or otherwise And here, I am reminded of the Anwar Ibrahim case where he was beaten up in his cell by no other person, than the IGP himself. I suppose the seven policemen must have learned this outrageous act from their former boss.
I just wonder why excessive abuse need to be meted upon civilians especially when they are detained? What can the detainee do? Certainly, the detainee cannot fight back, and beating up a helpless person is indeed a cowardly act. And are our policemen made up of cowards? I think, certainly not. Should they insist that the detainee ought to be taught a lesson, then why not give the detainee a boxing glove instead, and challenged him to a one-to-one fight. This is a more gentlemen act, rather then having seven people trampled upon one helpless detainee.
Bringing to justice the seven policemen will be an interesting case to watch. Let us all wait and see how the case will proceed. And what interest me most is to know who will be the prosecution witnesses. If some are policemen, then it is a case of policemen vs policemen. Mind boggling isn't it?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 08.20 am on Jan 17, 2009
What is interesting is that the charges were made only upon a complain has being launched by the victim. Had there not been a report, the case would not have been known to the public.What I would have thought is that the report should have been made by a member of the police who was witnessed to the abuse. I am quite sure there were others who knew and saw what took place in the police station, and it is only righteous that they launched the report, rather than to play ignorant. Had the police themselves reported the abuse, the public would have accorded them the highest regards and respect. This is one opportunity where the police have failed to exploit for their good name, and to redeem themselves from being regarded in utter disgust by the public.
We all know that the police today, by their own past actions have a serious problem of regaining respect and confidence from the public. There have been too many cases of excessive manhandling and unprovoked abuse by policemen upon civilians while in detention or otherwise And here, I am reminded of the Anwar Ibrahim case where he was beaten up in his cell by no other person, than the IGP himself. I suppose the seven policemen must have learned this outrageous act from their former boss.
I just wonder why excessive abuse need to be meted upon civilians especially when they are detained? What can the detainee do? Certainly, the detainee cannot fight back, and beating up a helpless person is indeed a cowardly act. And are our policemen made up of cowards? I think, certainly not. Should they insist that the detainee ought to be taught a lesson, then why not give the detainee a boxing glove instead, and challenged him to a one-to-one fight. This is a more gentlemen act, rather then having seven people trampled upon one helpless detainee.
Bringing to justice the seven policemen will be an interesting case to watch. Let us all wait and see how the case will proceed. And what interest me most is to know who will be the prosecution witnesses. If some are policemen, then it is a case of policemen vs policemen. Mind boggling isn't it?
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 08.20 am on Jan 17, 2009
Saturday, October 11, 2008
MAT ZAIN HAMZAH - A NAME TO REMEMBER
Retired senior police officer, Mat Zain Ibrahim has come forward with some astounding revelation concerning the investigations on the 'Black Eye' incident of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. Mat Zain is the police officer who was empowered by the then IGP Rahim Noor to fully investigate the incident, that was to placed the latter himself to a short term sentence in jail.
The revelation is astounding because it puts to test the credibility of the judiciary, and in particular the Attorney General,Abd Ghani Patail who was then the Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor, and the police over the manner the investigation was administered and presented during the trial of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. However, Mat Zain did not specifically mentioned the roles of IGP Musa Hassan, who was then the police Senior Investigating Officer, in fabricating the investigation report made by Mat Zain. Hence, as of now, there is nothing to suggest that Musa Hassan is directly implicated.
We ought to congratulate Mat Zain for his bold and fearless action by revealing the truth for all to know. Any right minded person with the sense of conviction would have done the same, because why should one be protecting a liar and a schemer, who will bring shame and disrepute to the esteemed judiciary and attorney general's office. And hasn't the Malaysian judiciary been under severe criticism in the past, and made worse by the Lingham correct..correct..correct case?
But the lingering question still remains i.e. how many people would want to do what Mat Zain did, more so if they are still holding office? I am quite sure there are many who are privy to the scandals, thievery acts of corrupt officials within and outside the government, but are too timid and reluctant to come forward, for fear of reprisals from their superiors.
With Mat Zain's revelation too, Anwar Ibrahim's repeated accusation of 'corruption' in the judiciary,the police and of some politicians my have some truth. And this turn of event will most certainly emboldened Anwar.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.06am on Oct 10,2008
The revelation is astounding because it puts to test the credibility of the judiciary, and in particular the Attorney General,Abd Ghani Patail who was then the Senior Deputy Public Prosecutor, and the police over the manner the investigation was administered and presented during the trial of Anwar Ibrahim in 1998. However, Mat Zain did not specifically mentioned the roles of IGP Musa Hassan, who was then the police Senior Investigating Officer, in fabricating the investigation report made by Mat Zain. Hence, as of now, there is nothing to suggest that Musa Hassan is directly implicated.
We ought to congratulate Mat Zain for his bold and fearless action by revealing the truth for all to know. Any right minded person with the sense of conviction would have done the same, because why should one be protecting a liar and a schemer, who will bring shame and disrepute to the esteemed judiciary and attorney general's office. And hasn't the Malaysian judiciary been under severe criticism in the past, and made worse by the Lingham correct..correct..correct case?
But the lingering question still remains i.e. how many people would want to do what Mat Zain did, more so if they are still holding office? I am quite sure there are many who are privy to the scandals, thievery acts of corrupt officials within and outside the government, but are too timid and reluctant to come forward, for fear of reprisals from their superiors.
With Mat Zain's revelation too, Anwar Ibrahim's repeated accusation of 'corruption' in the judiciary,the police and of some politicians my have some truth. And this turn of event will most certainly emboldened Anwar.
CRUSADE AGAINST CORRUPTION
Posted at 11.06am on Oct 10,2008
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
CAN WE TRUST THE POLICE FORCE
NST online dated August 5, 2008 reports that 'Seized syabu worth RM 1 million missing from Johor Police HQ' This apparently is not the first of such reports, but losing critical evidence like this had happened several time before. What has the police to say of this. And more importantly, such incident further erodes public trust and confidence in the police force.
Whatever excuse the police may give out, there is nothing that can bring honour, trust and credibility to the force any longer. Even the Johor Chief Police Officer has been avoiding the press, and this only reflects his arrogance and unworthiness as a responsible police officer, at facing the truth, for which the public so demands.
With the missing evidence, how then could the police proceed with the case to prosecute the people involved in the seized syabu. I can only say this....that there is something seriously wrong with the police force today. They have build up a force that is made up corrupt officers, which knows no limit to their ill doing. It is impossible for anyone, other than the police themselves to have stolen the seized syabu. They are therefore the worse culprits, and a total disgrace to the uniform they adorn.
Only recently, we are fed with reports of massive corruption in the Police Logistic Division, where top police officers of the division has been called in by the ACA for their statements.
Another interesting case involves the awarding of contract to a relatively inexperience local IT company, to equip the police force with state-of-the-art communication equipment, only to be told that the company supplying the equipment is a foreign based company, with a former Israeli Air Force officer as one of its directors. How could this be a slip...or is it corruption that had blinded the eyes of those police officers involved in recommending the contract?
With all this scrupulous happenings within the police force, I now wonder if the Musa Hassan can ever get his well deserve sleep every night.
Whatever excuse the police may give out, there is nothing that can bring honour, trust and credibility to the force any longer. Even the Johor Chief Police Officer has been avoiding the press, and this only reflects his arrogance and unworthiness as a responsible police officer, at facing the truth, for which the public so demands.
With the missing evidence, how then could the police proceed with the case to prosecute the people involved in the seized syabu. I can only say this....that there is something seriously wrong with the police force today. They have build up a force that is made up corrupt officers, which knows no limit to their ill doing. It is impossible for anyone, other than the police themselves to have stolen the seized syabu. They are therefore the worse culprits, and a total disgrace to the uniform they adorn.
Only recently, we are fed with reports of massive corruption in the Police Logistic Division, where top police officers of the division has been called in by the ACA for their statements.
Another interesting case involves the awarding of contract to a relatively inexperience local IT company, to equip the police force with state-of-the-art communication equipment, only to be told that the company supplying the equipment is a foreign based company, with a former Israeli Air Force officer as one of its directors. How could this be a slip...or is it corruption that had blinded the eyes of those police officers involved in recommending the contract?
With all this scrupulous happenings within the police force, I now wonder if the Musa Hassan can ever get his well deserve sleep every night.
Friday, July 25, 2008
RULE OF LAW TO PREVAIL
Suhakam's public inquiry into the alleged use of excessive police force on one Chung Jiun Hiur, by the Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) officers at the disputed Bandar Mohkota Cheras barricade on May 27, 2008, is one of extreme public interest. Beating up civilians who are unarmed and hapless, in the manner that they did to Chung, is outright brutality. I read that it required a platoon size FRU officers to take down just one civilian, and this is just ridiculous. With that numbers, even an elephant could have died.
Incidents of police brutality in this country, has occurred several times in the past, but what has come out of it leaves much to be desired. The beating of Chung conjours up images of the recent happenings in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where death upon innocent civilians caused by the police and army actions, rules the day. Are our FRU units of the same 'category' as that of Zimbabwe and Kenya; senseless, merciless, and the uniform they wear gives them the right to do as they please? I am sure, they are taught that the equipment they carry is only to be used in self defence. Surely it wasn't self defence in the case of Chung.
I now wonder what of the shooting case in Batu Buruk, Terengganu incident? This case is the first in our history where the police had used live bullets to disperse crowds. Isn't Suhakam conducting a public inquiry on this incident, or is it one of self defence?
I hope Suhakam's findings will be just, and the rule of law prevails in order to bring back public confidence in our FRU and police units.
Incidents of police brutality in this country, has occurred several times in the past, but what has come out of it leaves much to be desired. The beating of Chung conjours up images of the recent happenings in Zimbabwe and Kenya, where death upon innocent civilians caused by the police and army actions, rules the day. Are our FRU units of the same 'category' as that of Zimbabwe and Kenya; senseless, merciless, and the uniform they wear gives them the right to do as they please? I am sure, they are taught that the equipment they carry is only to be used in self defence. Surely it wasn't self defence in the case of Chung.
I now wonder what of the shooting case in Batu Buruk, Terengganu incident? This case is the first in our history where the police had used live bullets to disperse crowds. Isn't Suhakam conducting a public inquiry on this incident, or is it one of self defence?
I hope Suhakam's findings will be just, and the rule of law prevails in order to bring back public confidence in our FRU and police units.
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