I laud Putrajaya’s efforts in empowering the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) and increasing administrative transparency through the Prevention of Crime (Amendment and Extension) Act 2013 (PCA). The PCA will not only ensure that PDRM is provided with strong powers to combat a wave of violent crime as seen in recent months, but also assist the force in the absence of other acts such as the now-abolished Emergency Ordinance (EO).

Under the PCA, the home minister will no longer hold the absolute power in ordering detentions without trial. This jurisdiction will now rest on a three member board - led by either a Federal Court judge, Court of Appeal judge or a High Court judge. Furthermore, the minister will be required to submit an annual report on all activities related to detention orders under this law to Parliament.

Consider public feedback

While I fully support the proposals submitted to the Parliament by Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, constructive criticisms from the public must be considered. Numerous reports following the first reading of the Bill show grave concern that the amendments would bring back draconian laws - for example the infamous Internal Security Act (ISA) - which many believe have no place in a progressive society.

Therefore, I believe that it is necessary for the government to give assurance that there are safeguards to the PCA to prevent abuse of legislation and power, for example by judicial review. Only then can it cease unwarranted criticisms and ensure smooth implementation of the proposals.

Tackle issue of manpower shortage

Furthermore, The Home Ministry disclosed in Parliament yesterday that there are only 10,509 officers deployed with the police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

Based on numbers disclosed by the minister, CID police personnel make up only 9.5 percent of the total police force - which presently employs 109,969 officers. This inadequate number of specialised police personnel across the country is truly alarming, and raises concerns about PDRM’s efforts in combatting crime.

As per the minister’s disclosure, the remaining 99,460 officers are deployed respectively with PDRM’s Management Department (47,995), Public Order and Internal Security Department and Logistics Department (9,997), Criminal Investigation Department (Narcotics) (4,272), Special Task Force (Operations and Counter-terrorism) (34,125) and Criminal Investigation Department (Commercial) (1,769).

Despite a slight increase in percentage (0.5 percent) of CID officers since August 2013, there is no doubt that the country faces a shortage of policemen, especially in the CID. Furthermore, PDRM’s capacity of 115,774 positions means its current employment falls short of 5,805 officers. The minister had attributed this shortage of police personnel to retirement, resignations and deaths.

In this respect, I urge the Home Ministry to tackle the issue of manpower shortage through its Human Resource Transformation Plan urgently.

Hence, I reiterate my urging that the government assure the concerned public about safeguards to the PCA. I also hope that PDRM ensures their study is carried out efficiently and transparently. The end results would not only be a stepping stone to solving any problems within the police force, but also to dispel any untoward criticisms to the men in blue.

CHUA TEE YONG is MCA Young Professionals Bureau chairperson and Member of Parliament for Labis.