Consider bribery problem from all angles

Consider bribery problem from all angles

CONGRATULATIONS to the Polis DiRaja Malaysia (PDRM) on its achievement in protecting this nation for 200 years.

The force has come a long way since its inception and tragedies like Bukit Kepong to heroes like Yusoff Rono have undoubtedly made the force a reliable and respected one.

In the last few years, the police force has come under great scrutiny and it seems like where there is an opportunity, everyone takes a stab and blames the force.

However, there are other underlying reasons why there is a problem in the force.

There are good cops and dishonest ones. It is the same in most parts of the world.

The temptation i.e. monetary reward is very high. We must consider the root of this problem.

In developed countries like Britain or Australia, the policemen are well paid and their salary scale is almost equivalent to that of the private sector.

This is not to say that there is no corruption in these countries.

Corruption can be in many forms. Paying the police well does not fully eradicate the bribery problem.

However, it reduces the chances of an officer getting tempted to do the wrong thing. A higher pay scale too will see better candidates applying for jobs in the force.

There is also the issue of the mentality of why go through the bureaucracy when you can pay and get your work done quickly.

If people are willing to give, there will be people willing to take – it is a matter of demand and supply. It is not going to be easy to change this kind of mentality. Education at grassroots levels might help but only time will tell.

It is hoped that the efforts of the current IGP in re-branding the force will ignite the fire that will change public perception of the force.

RAHUL DORAISAMY,
Muar, Johor.