Malaysian Cops should focus on protecting the people, not leaders

SHAH ALAM: Police have more important tasks to concentrate on than providing protection to political leaders, said Selangor Mentri Besar Tan Sri Khalid Ibrahim.

He said leaders did not need police as guards because this would create a barrier between leaders and the public.

He was commenting on Seri Muda state assemblyman Suhaimi Shafie’s statement that leaders in the country ought to be given police protection to ensure their safety.

“Already, there are not enough policemen in the country, so we must set our priorities now.

“If they (the police) keep focusing on taking care of the Mentri Besar or other leaders, they cannot tackle the increasing crime,” he said after launching the Selangor Ria 2008 Farmers and Fishermen Day here on Monday.

Khalid said the security of the leaders could be ensured through better cooperation between the government and the people.

The public should be free to meet their leaders, he said, adding that the presence of policemen would deter the people from getting close to their leaders.

During the event, Khalid urged farmers and fishermen to take the opportunity during the global economic slowdown to buck up and increase their production.

CHRISTINA TAN
Star online
15/12/08

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