Kuala lumpur: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that the government will not tolerate criminals who are alleged to be 'roaming free', creating the impression that enforcement authorities are weak in tackling their activities. Citing the recent case of three male criminals shot dead in Melaka, he said it will be investigated thoroughly and transparently by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Anwar has received assurances from the Inspector-General of Police and the Criminal Investigation Department (Bukit Aman) that the investigation will be thorough and transparent, with no compromise. Their report has been submitted to the Attorney-General for further action, as mentioned during his address to the Dewan Negara.
The Prime Minister was replying to a question from Senator Amir Md Ghazali on the government's measures to strengthen integrity and transparency in law enforcement, aiming to curb abuse of power and leakages within agencies, including the PDRM. Anwar emphasized that the government will not compromise in cases of police misconduct, stressing that all allegations will be fully investigated in accordance with the law.
Regarding detainee deaths, Anwar addressed claims suggesting that fatalities involved only one ethnic group, clarifying that other groups were also affected, including Malays (25), Chinese (nine), Indians and Sabah and Sarawak Bumiputeras (four each), as well as foreign nationals (15). He pointed out that while there are shortcomings, portraying the situation negatively would be unfair, particularly towards the PDRM.
Anwar also reminded the public to distinguish between cases of enforcement misconduct and decisive actions against criminals who threaten public safety. He reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening the integrity of the nation's enforcement agencies, noting that cases involving criminals are very small relative to the country's total population of 34.5 million, representing less than 0.5 per cent.
To ensure accountability and justice, Anwar added that the government has established checks and balances, including the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) and the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), which allow any party to refer cases for further action if they remain dissatisfied.