Allow independent body to issue crime index, says Lam Thye

KUALA LUMPUR: An independent body should be given the authority to compile the nation’s crime statistics and issue crime index reports, which are currently done by the police.

Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation senior vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said this would increase accountability and transparency, as well as restore people’s confidence in the force.

He said although the crime index had continued to record a downward trend over the past five years, people’s perception of police’s efforts in reducing crime had not changed.

“The public tend not to believe indexes and statistics issued by the authorities. The establishment of an independent body comprising experts and researchers can correct this perception.”

He was commenting on the move by the Home Ministry to humanise the police’s delivery system in its bid to correct people’s negative perception of the force.

Lee also highlighted the importance of establishing a “crimeconscious community” to boost the safety and security of neighbourhoods.

“There is room for improvement when it comes to societal participation in helping police reduce crime.

“Police enforce the law, but the responsibility of preserving harmony in a neighbourhood is a collective effort.”

The National Human Rights Society hoped the ministry would be more transparent in its efforts to reform legislation deemed oppressive.

Its secretary-general, Lim Wei Jiet, said although the ministry under the present government had engaged with civil society organisations, stakeholders remained in the dark over the status of law reforms.

“There is hardly any feedback on whether our suggestions have been accepted. It is disheartening that in the New Malaysia, old archaic laws are very much alive,” he said.

“These are promises in the Pakatan Harapan manifesto and the government must explain why they have not been fulfilled.”