Attack on police a wake up call

Citizens living in fear

I refer to “Musa orders thorough probe” (Star October 27).

The fury of the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan over the slaying of two of his detectives by gunmen was understandable so is his frustration over the uncontrollable crime rate in general. The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) should go all out to track down the murderers so that they can be punished in accordance with the laws.

The death of two trained and experienced policemen is definitely a great loss to the nation especially coming at a time when the country is facing such a high crime rate that is threatening the peace and harmony that we were enjoying all these years. It would be great setback to the efforts of the police to stop the escalating crime.

Whether the unfortunate police raid was conducted properly and what really went wrong is for the PDRM to investigate in a professional manner and take remedial measures to overcome any shortcomings there may be. What is important is not who is at fault but rather what has happened, a very serious crime in the form of a well planned attack on the police. It is equally important to ask why it occurred. Were the raids well planned and coordinated and adequate precautionary measures taken?

It is also timely that to review the protective measures like the use of bullet-proof vests and patrol cars. Definitely these will go a long way to reduce the deaths among members of the police force while carrying out their on duties. There should be no hesitation in providing adequate protection for our men in blue however costly it may be. On the contrary it would be grossly unfair and even negligent to deny them these for whatever reasons.

This fatal attack on the police should be an eye opener for the police force. It is a sign that all is not well as far as public security is concerned. When armed criminals can fatally strike at the police, I dread to imagine what they could do to ordinary citizens. Who would dare come forward to lodge complaints against criminal activities?

The numerous complaints from the public on the fear created by the escalating crime is not unfounded and it is time that the authorities take these grouses very seriously. Not a day passes without some gruesome crime being committed and we wonder what our country is really coming to. We can hardly go anywhere without fear of assault, robbery, rape and even murder.

We have reached a critical state where citizens are living in fear even within their own homes behind heavily locked doors, grilles, sophisticated alarm systems and security guards. Even being caged in such heavily fortified homes do not appear to guarantee security for them and their families from criminals who seem to be better organized, equipped and even armed.

Our crime-busting authorities must take public complaints very seriously. They must devise ingenious ways and means to counter crime more efficiently and effectively. They must ensure that law and order prevail at all costs, failing which will only result in thugs taking over the running of the country.

Dr.Chris Anthony