OCT 26 — News about the deteriorating crime situation in our country has always been significantly reported by neighbouring countries, particularly Singapore. Not long ago, the police and Home Ministry hit out at a Singapore-based newspaper for its front-page story on recent gun attacks in Malaysia. However, it is beyond my expectation that our safety problem has come to the attention of the US media.

The New York Times last Friday reported on the crime rate in Malaysia. “Tracking Malaysia’s crime wave” was illustrated with pictures showing a family dining at a restaurant guarded by security personnel, and a “beware of snatch thief” signboard commonly seen in Kuala Lumpur.

The report also pointed out that Kuala Lumpur was once one of Asia’s safest cities, but “it is hard to find someone in Kuala Lumpur today who does not have a story about a purse snatching, a burglary or worse”.

Such an explicit report has certainly set a blow to the image of Malaysia and might even affect the country’s tourism industry. It was a US press report supported by facts. In addition to “feeling regret” and asking them to try to put themselves in our shoes, what else can the Home Ministry do?

The best response is not to defend our own weaknesses, but to change the facts with action, and change the perception of others of us. The deteriorating crime situation in the Klang Valley is a fact. There is no need to hide it. What the government and police should do is to fight criminals and restore peace. Only by doing so can the good image of “Malaysia is the safest country” be built.

A series of robberies and shootings have taken place in Klang Valley over the past few months. Even though I am staying in Johor Bahru and not living in similar fear, I can emphathise with it. The security here is not good either. The people of Johor Bahru a few years ago were under extreme fear of murder, robbery and rape. The angry people took to the streets to protest against the poor public safety.

Unusual times require unusual law enforcement. We can see that, indeed, the police has taken stern action, including having more police patrolling the streets, more road blocks, a few busting operations and killing criminals on the spot. Instances of scary shooting seem to have been reduced and problems of public safety seem to have eased. However, new concerns have emerged. The choice between safety and freedom has resulted in different arguments.

The people support the Ops Cantas Khas of the police but faced with the choice between safety and freedom, some people still have reservations in making the choice. It is because members of the public on one hand hate armed high-risk criminals and want them to be eliminated. On the other hand, however, they are worried that the restoration of measures of detention without trial might be abused.

Some non-governmental organisations and political parties are also worried that the overreaction of the police might infringe on the fundamental rights of suspects, such as allowing policemen to shoot first when feeling threatened. Therefore, there are vigorous voices questioning and opposing the crime-curbing measures of the police.

Why is the Ops Cantas Khas of the police welcomed but at the same time criticised? To put it bluntly, it is actually a kind of natural reaction when some people lack confidence in the police and worry about possible abuse of power. Therefore, to curb crime, police discipline must also be rectified. It is the voice of the public in general, as well as a problem that the police must address. — Sin Chew Daily

* This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malay Mail Online.