Corruption: Ex-MACC director lauds Bachok police's prompt action

Former MACC special operations director Bahri Zin has lauded Bachok district police chief Ismail Jamaluddin for his integrity and efficiency in reprimanding several allegedly corrupt officers in an incident which took place on Dec 30.

According to Bahri, a mother from Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, had pleaded to him for assistance when her son had been wrongfully detained by a group of police officers in Bachok, Kelantan, over suspicions of drug possession.

The officers allegedly demanded RM6,000 from the mother, threatening that her son would be locked up and face immediate charges the following day if she failed to comply before midnight.

However, after a whistleblower contacted Ismail, the errant officers were quickly reprimanded, and the extorted money was immediately returned to the victim’s mother.

“I am very proud of the actions taken by the Bachok police chief, who has acted with integrity and worked to resolve the case of the unfortunate mother very quickly.

“Despite the fact that the whistleblower was only an ordinary person, this should be seen as an example of law enforcement being conducted responsibly and with integrity, which is much needed throughout our country,” said Bahri in a statement circulated on WhatsApp yesterday.

‘Integrity test’

Bahri also explained that he decided to refer the case to the Bachok district police, instead of the MACC, to “test” the district police’s integrity.

“When I was informed of the case, it was almost midnight. I could have just referred this case to the MACC, but given that the suspects have given such a short deadline for the victim, it would have been impossible for the MACC to act, or ‘set up traps’ within the given timeframe.

“Hence, I decided to refer this case to the Bachok district police department, especially since the officers had demanded an RM6,000 extortion to be paid before midnight,” he said.

Bahri further explained how he had urged his friend, an “ordinary citizen” with no connections, to then immediately report the incident to the district police chief.

“Barely half an hour afterwards, my friend told me that the Bachok police chief had managed to identify the errant officers, and that the money had eventually been returned to the victim’s mother.

“I have also been told that the money has been borrowed from relatives to fund the requested RM6,000 amount extorted by the police officers,” he added.

An example for cops nationwide

Bahri also expressed hopes that Ismail’s integrity and efficiency could serve as an example for police officers nationwide.

“I am certain that with individuals like him, it would improve the reputation of our police force and improve the image of our country.

“Imagine how much damage it would do to our national reputation if something similar happened to those who did not know anyone to reach out to, or if it happened to foreign tourists,” he added.

When contacted by Malaysiakini, Ismail confirmed that the police officers involved in the incident were being probed.

“Internal investigations are currently ongoing, and disciplinary action will be taken,” he said.

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