Zahid orders probe into claims police seek ‘side income’ to ‘sponsor’ higher-ups

KUALA LUMPUR: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has directed an investigation over allegations the police, especially at district level, are forced to seek side incomes to fete their higher-ups.

The home minister said he had directed the Royal Malaysia Police’s ( PDRM) Integrity and Compliance Department (JIPS) and Special Branch to investigate the matter, adding that it was something not quite smart if it had really occurred.

“They could have told the truth if they did not have financial resources, they should not use stupid excuses to defend themselves,” he said in his speech at the closing of a home ministry ( KDN) Media Tour yesterday.

Also present was Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) general manager Datuk Zulkifli Salleh and editor-in- chief Datuk Zakaria Abd Wahab.

An English language newspaper yesterday reported the alleged practice of seeking side income was carried out by the policemen because their superior officers sought sponsorships from them.

At a media conference later, Ahmad Zahid said the allegations of corrupt practices among some policemen must be eradicated to correct the negative perception of society towards the PDRM.

He said he would also discuss with the other ministries to cleanse enforcement agencies from corrupt practices.

“The trust of the people in enforcement agencies must be returned ... a few black sheep which destroy the image of the majority must be done away with,” he stressed.

Using the analogy of a diabetic patient, Ahmad Zahid said normally a body part damaged by the disease would be amputated to prevent its spread. — Bernama