We have been assured that the findings and recommendations of the Royal Police Commission would be implemented soon. However, in the meantime, we have further reports of serious misconduct by policemen and police officers.

This is not to demean our police force. They have a challenging task to do in dealing with criminals and those who willingly beat the law. It is also true that they are often enticed to accept a bribe.

However, the time has come to professionalise the force. There must be standard operating procedures on how issues are handled to ensure accountability. We thought that with the end of the issue relating to a former deputy prime minister, things would improve. However, this does not seem to be the case.

Is this a question of leadership or is it that police discipline is at its lowest ebb with members of the force acting like thugs and criminals. What happened to the IIU student is just unacceptable and it is time that the police leadership take stringent action against such violation of rights.

These violations are un-Islamic and we cannot just continue to relegate this to yet another 'investigation'. Where powers are given to policemen or officers, they must also be held accountable.

There must be a procedure to ensure that such powers are executed in a fair and just manner. It is true that immigrant workers - especially women - have had to face the brunt of police atrocities. Fear prevents them from speaking out and sexual favours are extracted because they do not have the proper documents when investigated.

The police force must come out with a system to ensure that such indiscipline is not allowed to continue. The perception of our police force is one of built on fear. This must be replaced with one built on security and trust and unless they are determined to do so, things will continue to be bleak.