In the tussle between the government and the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP), it seems to me that the RMP will end up with a lopsided deal if they are asked to accept the various recommendations of the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police without any significant benefits for themselves.

While those recommendations can be imposed upon a fair, clean and efficient police force without any conditions attached, it has to be understood that after decades of abuse of power and corruption, it will not be easy for the RMP to accept change over a short period.

If one visits the RMP website , it can be seen that a newly-recruited constable receives a gross income (including allowances) of only RM1,000 RM1,086 a month depending on qualification. Overtime pay of RM100 and incentives for transport, meals and accommodation are only vaguely mentioned so it is unclear to what extent policemen benefit from this.

It will be naive to think that adherence to religious teachings alone is enough for policemen to shun corruption no matter how morally, religiously and legally wrong this practice is. This is especially so in times when it is becoming increasingly difficult just to make ends meet.

Perhaps both parties can reach a compromise members of the police force to enjoy better wages in return for accepting all the recommendations of the Police Royal Commission (including the setting up of the IPCMC).

Salary scales of the UK Police Service and the Singapore Police Force , both which enjoy good reputations, can be looked at with the difference in the costs of living between Malaysia and these countries taken into account. This website provides a rough idea, but I am sure the government has access to more accurate and up-to-date data.

Though better wages are not a panacea for abuse of power and corruption, it is safe to say that it will help improve matters somewhat. It is also in line with the government's widely-supported plan of investing more in human capital rather than in mega-projects.