“Gov’t should allow officers to wear body cams on duty“

Focus Malaysia:

“Gov’t should allow officers to wear body cams on duty“

By Lim Lip Eng

THE recent KLIA incident has sent shockwaves across the nation, revealing yet another distressing chapter in the ongoing battle against corruption which has unfortunately been a tradition among certain Malaysians who wield power and authority.

Henceforth, I laud the government’s decision to allow only senior Immigration Department officers of Grade 41 and above to have the power to ban the entry of foreign travellers at airports and other entry points. Previously, the power to make such decisions was held by Grade 29 officers.

In hindsight, this is a form of reformation that is particularly needed in the field of law enforcement. It is also best to suggest that such a change should take place in the nation’s police force, namely to allow only police officers with the rank of inspector and above to have the power to issue summonses for various offences, including drugs and traffic offences.

As of now, policemen with the lowest ranks are allowed to issue such summonses at any public place. It should be understood that such improvements can lead to fewer instances of abuse of power.

In addition, to make sure law enforcers are always under public scrutiny, I further demand an answer on when the thousands of new body cameras which were approved by the previous government, can be worn by policemen on active duty and on patrol.

Discussion has taken place over the years, now is the time to implement such an important policy.

Ideally, by allowing only police officers with the rank of inspector and above to have the power to issue summonses and to have cops on patrol equipped with body cameras, these measures will definitely avoid, to a great extent the offensive and unfounded accusations against the police force that weaken our national security.

The public’s faith in the police force has wavered and now is the time to mend the bond between the police force and the public. The public should rely on them not be frightened of them. – July 8, 2023



Lim Lip Eng is the MP for Kepong.