Following a spate of high-profile shooting incidents, a coalition of NGOs has expressed concern that Malaysia is turning into the Wild West.

The spike in crime and with perpetrators becoming more brazen, the current situation had riddled the notion that Malaysia was a safe place with bullet holes.

"The Home Ministry and police claim that the country is safe but the people are afraid... be it in a restaurant or stopping at a traffic light, danger seems to lurk everywhere.

NONE "We are also concerned with the abundance of firearms available in this country.

"How are these guns being brought in right under the very noses of the authorities?" asked Malaysian Indian Progressive Association (Mipas) secretary-general S Barathidasan.

Mipas warned that with criminals running wild, the situation would affect the tourism industry, an important income generator for the nation.

"If we are serious about achieving Vision 2020 and to become a developed country, then the authorities must ensure that out streets are safe for both Malaysians and foreigners.

"In order to do this, the authorities must adhere to the principles of honesty and integrity," added Barathidasan.

Probe all angles

However, Mipas chose not to speculate on the shooting of whistleblower R Sri Sanjeevan.

Barathidasan said since investigations were ongoing, it would be unwise to comment on the matter.

NONE Despite this, he stressed that the police must ensure that all aspects were investigated, including the speculation that rogue policemen could be behind the assassination attempt.

"This is a serious allegation, one that lands another blow to the already bruised image of the police, and so it must be investigated without fear or favour. There should be no cover-up. Rotten apples must be cast out in order to restore public confidence in the police," he added.

Mipas also expressed regret over the shooting of Sanjeevan, stating that the MyWatch chief had been courageous in his crusade to expose corruption in the police.

NONE Following the shooting of Sanjeevan, who is currently undergoing treatment, the nation was once again shocked over the gunning down of Arab Malaysian Banking Group founder Hussain Ahmad Najadi in broad daylight.

Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar ( right ) told the media that the police were closing in on those behind a firearms syndicate.

He said this followed the seizure of a large cache of firearms in the country over the past two weeks.

"We are closing in on a certain group of people. We are doing that right now. We are also identifying people who are responsible in bringing in guns into the country," he had said.

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