In The Ring > The misunderstood heroes

In Primary Two, when the teacher asked the class to write our career choice, I remember vividly approximately 95 per cent of the male respondents had written down the police as one of the top three choices. It is a natural response given that my generation grew up with visions of police officers such as Erik Estrada of Chips and Don Johnson of Miami Vice as heroes that often saved the day.

The choice is further justified when we examine the historical contribution of the Royal Police force in nation building. As one of the oldest institutions in Malaysia (it has been around since days of Malacca under the purview of the Temenggong), heroic acts during the era of the communist insurgence as immortalised in the Bukit Kepong Incident is a clear indication of the extent of sacrifices and servitude of the personnel of the force to the country. The force also provided stability in times of great uncertainty when the air of Malaysia was laced with racial tension.

Within a few decades, I am burdened with the feeling that this has changed. Of late, the Malaysian police force has been tainted and labelled with extremely negative connotations. The swiftness of the change is nothing short of remarkable. Numerous incidents such as the video lock up incident, revelations of drama behind the bars, lack of independence, stories of rampant bribery and allegations of abuse of power in public demonstrations has eroded public confidence considerably.

Many perceive it to be an isolated institution that no longer possesses proximity with the public’s expectations or relevancy with its everyday lives.

Is it rational to describe an entire institution based on a few anecdotes and events? How about the good police officers? Like many other public service organisations, their greatest contribution remains unseen. The nights your house didn’t get broken into because they made their rounds, the driver that chose to follow the speed limit because of police presence, the safety of our borders. Who sings their praises?

It is not just a job. A son of a police officer I know related how he and his family had to frequently move because of his father’s postings. He particularly remembers his father being posted to a remote area in Pahang, way off Seremban where he is from. The station had no electricity, powered only by a generator. Family took a backseat because his father had to make rounds at nights. Asked what he remembers the most, his answer was experiencing Hari Raya festivities away from his extended family. That is the price of the sacrifice that had to be paid by the officer and his family.

Like most Malaysians, I am for a better police force, a more just and independent institution as recommended in the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Other ideas include strengthening the force with a Police Complaints Bureau and an Accountability Committee with lay members must also be debated.

In fact, I believe that there should be a School for Royal Military Police, a boarding school to train the best and brightest at an early age. The syllabus should not only focus on academics and discipline but also highlight the importance of the ethical responsibilities to the citizens of Malaysia. These structural problems are not going to be solved overnight, but the onus is on us to make a start.

To meet all our expectations, we must also study the remuneration structure and increase the credibility of the force. Police recruitment in UK features the tag line; Could you? I believe it encapsulates the commitment, and sacrifice; and puts the work of a police officer in perspective. Like the tiger head in the insignia that represents the courage, strength and spirit of the police force.

I admit I use the police to instil discipline in my son. “If you misbehave, Papa will call the policeman”. I am afraid, like many Malaysians, I am sending the wrong message of what the force really stands for. When he reaches Primary Two, I want him to be able to slot in policeman as one of his career choices.