Mobilise police volunteers, Rela

Monday September 24, 2007

BATU PAHAT: Having more voluntary policemen and Rela members on the ground will help keep the crime index down, without the Government having to foot a hefty bill.

Acting Gerakan president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon suggested that the Government increase the number of members in the police voluntary reserve and Rela to help policemen combat crime.

He said such a move would have maximum effect with minimum cost.

It would increase the number of uniformed men on the ground, as the police voluntary reserve and Rela members have their uniforms, he said after launching the party’s Johor annual delegates meeting.

Paying attention: Koh (right) and Johor Gerakan chairman Teo Kok Chee listening to a delegate speaking during the state's annual delegates meeting in Batu Pahat on Sunday.

Dr Koh, who is also Penang Chief Minister, said that while not everybody was willing to leave his job to become a full time policeman, many did not mind sacrificing some of their time to become volunteer cops.

It is the same with Rela members, who were very enthusiastic, although they get a very small allowance, he said.

Dr Koh also backed the Prime Minister’s call for a thorough investigation on allegations of judicial impropriety in the light of a video clip purportedly showing a prominent lawyer brokering the appointment of judges over the telephone.

“In our promotion of the country to attract investment, we always cite that we have a credible legal framework and judiciary system.

If we cannot confidently promote the legal framework and judicial system, then we have lost an advantage in attracting foreign investments,” he said.