When Rela was first mooted, press reports gave the impression that it was more to help with crime prevention and the safety of the local neighbourhoods. Their presence in patrolling some crime-prone areas in some housing estates is very much appreciated. Eventually, their duties included making raids on areas where illegal immigrants harboured and bringing them before the law.

However, of late, I have noticed that Rela members also help in directing traffic at MCA functions. MCA is a political party and I am sure if MCA can utilise Rela services, then this could be extended to other political parties including opposition parties as well. After all, political parties help the community and Rela members are doing something useful (so they say).

On Nov 11 and 12, I also noticed Rela members helping the Fujioh company at Taman Bukit Hijau, Cheras. The well-known company selling cooker hoods and other kitchen accessories was having its annual sale and Rela members were directing traffic and performing guard duties.

They did not appear to be very disciplined as some changed into their uniforms in the back lanes, one even eased himself there and most had lighted cigarettes between their fingers whilst they went about their duties. They looked like a rag-tag bunch of soldiers from some African country.

The question then arises as to whether the government allows a parapolice force to be utilised in this manner. In conversation with a Rela member, he confided that he was paid and that it was better than him sitting in the house and doing nothing.

Can all private companies then ask and utilise Rela services for their promotional events or for any other duties? If so, then Rela has become a mercenary force, willing to do the bidding of businessmen for money. Those on duty that day told me their superiors say they can, and it is interpreted loosely 'as helping the community'.

When I read of the recent murder of the Mongolian model and the blowing up of her body with explosives, I shudder to think what can happen if uniformed branches of the government - whether formal or parapolice - become mercenary. There should be a limit to what Rela can or cannot do and this should be strictly monitored by the government.

If the officers-in-charge give a loose interpretation of rules, society is going to see more cases of abuses among them. When a formal uniformed unit such as Rela is seen making money in this manner, others are likely to follow using the same argument that they are 'helping the community'. Where then do we draw the line?