Former Bersih chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah has criticised police for what she described as "victim blaming" in relation to complaints by a woman who claimed police ignored her pleas for help despite being harassed by a road bully.

"The recent incident of Kogee Sinniah reflects the dire need for the police to act with greater compassion and sensitivity towards the Malaysian rakyat.

"While the police eventually arrested the three men who were pursuing Kogee, the duration taken for her to receive help from the police is stressful.

"The statement by KL police chief Mazlan Lazim is unhelpful as it is defensive and had a tinge of 'victim blaming'," Maria said.

In a statement yesterday, Mazlan (photo) said Kogee was initially not allowed to seek refuge at the Alam Damai police station due to a "miscommunication".

He said he understood Kogee was in distress but she should not have left the police station.

Kogee, in a Facebook video, said she had to dial 999 before being allowed into the police station and was later told off by a police officer to "speak nicely".

Despite eventually being let in, a frustrated Kogee eventually left the police station without making a police report, citing that she no longer felt safe.

Kogee made the video on March 12 while in her vehicle, shortly after leaving the police station. She was seen to be crying and in distress.

Mazlan said Kogee should not have felt unsafe as she was already in a police station.

He also urged members of the public not to believe information on social media without confirmation from police.

However, Mazlan assured an internal investigation would be conducted.

He also revealed that the alleged road bullies, comprising three men, have been arrested and were being investigated for intimidation.

Maria said no one else should go through Kogee's experience.

"Unfortunately the police are not very good at taking responsibility for their mistakes.

"It is, therefore, time to bring back the recommendations in the Report of the 2005 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police.

"The report was passed in Parliament and it made 125 recommendations, with clear standards on management and operations to advance a dedicated and professional police force," she said.

Maria said an important issue raised in the report was the breakdown of public trust and confidence in the police force.

"Police integrity is a major concern. Standards have to be set to form a conducive atmosphere that will sustain the police force’s dedication, hard work and mental fortitude to serve the rakyat," she said.

Entitled to protection

Meanwhile, the Women's Aid Organisation said it was outraged at the manner in which Kogee was treated.

"Bukit Aman must investigate the handling of this case, and ensure that everyone who seeks refuge at a police station receives the protection they are entitled to. It is the police’s duty to protect the public, and they must act with respect, empathy and compassion. 

"If we can’t feel safe at a police station, then the government has failed us in protecting us. If we can’t trust the public institution mandated to protect us, where do we go?" it said in a statement.

WAO also urged the government to make stalking a crime, stating that existing laws are "deeply inadequate".