Zahid orders probe, reshuffle after sponsorship claims in police force

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the police force would be conducting a major reshuffle, while ordering a probe into allegations that some police personnel have been forced to seek side incomes to “sponsor” their higher-ups. 

“We are carrying out an internal reshuffle and it is on a major scale,” he said to reporters after attending a luncheon on Monday (May 22), while adding that the government is following netizens’ comments to better understand their concerns and grievances.

He also warned senior policemen not to pressure their subordinates to look for “sponsorship” ranging from money to gifts. “I don’t deny there are a few bad apples in enforcement agencies who give a bad name to the entire agency. But this must stop immediately. 

“We will not tolerate such individuals,” Mr Zahid said, adding that stern action will be taken against any individual found guilty of such acts.

Saying he will not accommodate such practices, Mr Zahid said these bad apples will be weeded out as he has directed the police’s Integrity and Compliance Department and the Special Branch to investigate the matter.

“Gone are the days where illegal income may have been acceptable, but not anymore. I have told the police chief, his deputy and all senior ranking officers to stay away from any sort of corrupt practices and that they should lead by example for the rest.” 

Speaking on condition of anonymity, several sources within the Malaysian police told the New Sunday Times that the practice of seeking “sponsorship” had forced policemen, especially those at the district-level, to find “extra income”. 

“Demands (from higher-ranking officers) for ‘sponsors’ happen all the time. Whenever there are events like dinners or mess nights, even sporting events, there would be requests for sponsors of jerseys and other items,” said a source.

The issue came to light following the recent arrests of policemen, including district police chiefs, by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission in a widening graft investigation involving gambling dens, massage parlours and drug syndicates.

On May 15, the police announced it would carry out a major reshuffle in the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department following the arrests of 16 policemen, among them senior officers, from the department on suspicion of protecting drug syndicates.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) revealed that high-ranking policemen were also known to seek favours from people under their command to entertain their spouses’ needs and wants.

“EAIC is aware of the culture in enforcement agencies, where state officers having to entertain their superiors whenever the higher-ranking officers are visiting. This culture does not only involve officers from all levels, but also their spouses.

“Such a culture leads to the need to fork out big amounts of money to fund activities planned for the officers, resulting in some enforcement officers having to turn to syndicates, who want to gain benefits from their connection with certain law enforcement agencies,” said EAIC chairman Yaacob Md Sam. AGENCIES