The Chinese national who was abused by the policewoman should consider herself lucky that a policeman with a conscience, compassion and moral values had not only recorded the scene, but had the courage to share it with others.

I am certain that Malaysians, including BN politicians, are aware of police abuse, sometimes resulting in the death of detainees. The perpetrators are likely to escape investigation and even punishment because the allegation remains the word of a detainee against the police. The latter are protected by the lack of credible witnesses besides their superiors and lately, their minister.

The deputy Inspector-General of Police, in dealing with the exposure of this abuse is to shoot the bearer of bad news. But no one has alleged that the policeman who recorded the incident derived any pleasure or benefited financially or otherwise from that he intended to use the video to harm the Chinese national.

Perhaps the police force should be forcefully reminded that the days are over for police brutality against demonstrators and other human beings. Perhaps the prime minister might want to consider setting up a Ministry of Humanity headed by an elected representative from the Opposition.