Friday June 22, 2007

Rela really needs to address public concerns

I REFER to the letter by Razali Mohamed Yassin (The Star, June 19) who wrote on behalf of the Director-General of Rela, in response to my comments regarding the Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia (Rela).

His letter only further highlights and demonstrates the issues behind the concerns of Malaysians anxious of the perceived increase in powers entrusted to Rela.

In fact, several of Razali’s points contradicted those of his boss, the Director General in the latter’s published interview (Sunday Star, June 10).

Razali’s statement that the authority given to Rela since March 2005 is limited to only 290 Rela officers appointed by the Government is a case in point.

He stated that the confusion of Rela’s authority had raised questions about the integrity of Rela. I would agree to this and add that there also exists continued confusion within Rela’s own ranks as to what it can and cannot do, which is an injustice to the men and women who have contributed to this voluntary body.

I refer back to the interview with the DG, who accurately relates and appears to condone the actual conduct (not wearing uniforms and being enraged at being asked for identification) of officers and members during undercover operations against illegal immigrants.

However, I am glad that Razali clarified and highlighted the requirement for the wearing of Rela uniforms during operations and the need for all personnel to produce identification when requested to do so by the public.

These two critical issues featured prominently and alarmingly during the interview with the DG, are necessary to prevent the abuse of power and corruption.

It is unfortunate that Rela, which has and continues to be a tremendous asset involved in social development programmes and humanitarian operations from the individual village up to the national level, has been dragged into the issue of illegal immigrants.

Razali implies in his letter that illegal immigrants are exclusively responsible for the spread of social ills and diseases in this country, and that Rela needs to help the Government in dealing with this problem. I content that Rela has no role in this and should not be involved.

Razali should also drop the paternalistic tone in his response (“everyone should be thankful for Rela’s contribution”) as his letter has failed to address the Malaysian public’s and my own continued concern and reality of allegations of violence and abuse of power among a group of individuals who are insufficiently trained.

I have tremendous respect to the thousands of Malaysians who have volunteered their time and energy to any organisation that contributes to the well being of the country.

However, refusing to address the concerns of the public regarding the proper conduct of Rela members and failing to provide and enforce clear guidelines, training, direction and mandate to this voluntary body, is a continued disservice to these women and men.

AZRUL MOHD KHALIB,
Kuala Lumpur.

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