PSM: Developers, loan sharks, cops bloody thick

Malaysiakini:



Amid IGP's cartel claim, PSM laments developers, loan sharks' ties with cops

Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) has claimed that it had encountered incidents during the course of its social work with the public, that suggest some developers and loansharks had close ties to the police.

Its deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan revealed this amid claims by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Abdul Hamid Bador of a "cartel" within the police force.

"In our experience dealing with the police, there was an incident where we made tens of complaints to them about an influential developer whose lorries will not be issued summonses even though they breached the law," he said.

According to Arutchelvan, those complaints fell on deaf years and later, the police would show their "appreciation" to the developer.

He said it turned out that the developer had helped build a new police station.

Arutchelvan said this was why PSM took the position that the police should not accept corporate sponsors as it could influence the outcome of public complaints against corporations.

"This forces the police to repay corporations. Money to enhance the police should come from government sources and not businesses which will have other agendas," he added.

PSM had also dealt with loanshark cases that appeared to have strong police connections, he said.

"Looking at what the IGP is experiencing, it reminds me of the cases which I handled involving loan sharks.

"It was a scary experience as they had strong ties with the police as if they were invincible," Arutchelvan said.

Abdul Hamid, in an interview last month, claimed a group of young police officers had formed a "cartel" to undermine him.

The top cop did not go into details but the interview said this was to facilitate their "dirty work".

Abdul Hamid also branded some of his men as traitors after they allegedly collaborated with a figure linked to the underworld.

"When the IGP complains, who investigates?" he said.

Arutchelvan pointed out that it was through a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) that helped uncover the fact former IGP Abdul Rahim Noor had given former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim a black eye in 1998.

However, he noted that proposals for an RCI had been poorly received by the government.

Arutchelvan also reiterated the need for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission.

"It is the best mechanism that allows good police officers and the public to make complaints to the commission," he added.