Two Rela members who were assigned to guard the home of the Deputy Home Minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar here were among three suspects held by the police in connection with a break-in at the house on Dec 24.

Acting Kuching District Police chief DSP Amihizam Abd Shukor, who confirmed the arrests, said investigations also found the two had previous criminal records.

"The first suspect, who is 34 years old and has 12 criminal records, was arrested in Meludam (about 250 km from Kuching), while the second Rela member is 30 and has two previous records," he said.  

He added that the third man, who is 36 years old, had two criminal records.

"All three suspects will be presented in court tomorrow to be remanded to help in the investigations of the case," he said.

Wan Junaidi disappointed

When met by the press today, Wan Junaidi praised the efforts of the police in making the speedy arrests and said he would recommend to the ministry to review the criteria for the intake of Rela members.

This is to ensure that those who apply for membership do not have previous criminal records and are sincerely interested to carry out their responsibilities.

"More stringent measures have to be taken to ensure the correct selection of members," he said.

Admitting that although he was "slightly disappointed" about the involvement of the Rela members in the case, he said the organisation could not be blamed.

"I cannot be angry with the organisation because the concept of Rela is volunteerism. Perhaps this experience shows us the need for a different module in the intake of members," he said.

- Bernama