KUCHING: Sarawak Patriots Association (SPA) has urged the state government to be aware of actions to reduce the number of Sarawakian police officers serving in the state.
In a press statement today, the association said the percentage of Sarawakian police officers serving in the state should be raised.
“The overall percentage of Sarawakians in the police force should be raised and more senior posts are allocated to Sarawakians to reflect the partnership of Sarawak, Sabah and Malaya with an agreed formula.
“We urge the Sarawak government to raise alarm and objections with the relevant ministry to prevent actions to reduce the number of Sarawakian police officers serving in the state,” it said.
SPA also said expenses should be used for the benefit of the police force in terms of upgrading its social welfare affairs rather than spending on such petty issue.
“Rather than spending money on transferring officers and shipment of personal effects, the money can be better used to repair police quarters and spent on the officers’ welfare which are more pressing issues.
“Imagine the amount of money incurred to transfer 30 percent of the Sarawak police force and also to transfer into Sarawak a similar percentage of officers,” it added.
Calling upon the members of parliament (MPs) from Sarawak to raise the issue in Parliament, SPA also shared on a recent situation which indicated the need to retain Sarawakian police officers in the state.
“A very recent case was shared by one of the respondents who told us that he was driving from Mile 7 Bazaar (Kota Sentosa) to Taman BDC here for a business lunch meeting during the recent conditional movement control order (CMCO) a week ago.
“He was stopped by an enforcement officer who has demanded him to show his police permit for him to move across district and was warned that a compound ticket could be issued to him for violating the cross-district movement without police permission.
“The officer concerned mentioned to the respondent that Kota Sentosa is under Padawan District and Taman BDC is under Kuching District.
“Such embarrassment may occur as the officer may come from outside Sarawak. He may be new in Kuching and does not know the boundaries of Kuching district.
“Sarawakians serving in their own home is encouraged as they understand and know the culture.
“The understanding of local culture enables one to mix around in the community and promote diversified culture. A transfer outside Sarawak will separate them with their families whose roots are in Sarawak,” it added.
To solve the issue, SPA proposed that Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) recruit more Sarawakians and give a fair opportunity for citizen to join the force.
“The decision by PDRM recently needs deeper thoughts. It is recommended that PDRM recruits more Sarawakians to serve in the department.
“We understand that there were many Sarawakians who have applied to join the force but only a small percentage of them were successful.
“History has shown that Sarawak had its own police force such as the Sarawak Rangers which managed its own security before the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
“PDRM also should give a fair chance for everyone to join the force, particularly the rank of an Inspector.
“This will create a balance in the force like during the golden years in the 80s and 90s.
“Enhance ethnic representation in the police force was one of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission to enhance the operation and management of PDRM in 2005,” it said.
