The rising crime wave and incompetence of the police have brought worldwide shame to Malaysia. It has caught the media attention of, for example, the BBC.

Although I welcome the move by the Home Ministry to increase the number of police personnel to combat crime, the move itself is not enough.

To reform the police force, the first thing the government should do is immediately sack the Inspector-General of Police Norian Mai for gross incompetence in managing the force.

Another reason to sack the IGP is that he proved to be a political liar on April 11, 2001 by making a public statement that intentionally misled the public and the world.

According to media reports, the IGP alleged that the reformasi movement "plans to topple the government through massive street demonstrations and is prepared to use militant tactics". More specifically, the IGP said the 'militant tactics' included:

  • Taking various steps to obtain explosives, including bombs and grenade launchers;

  • Using molotov cocktails, ball-bearings and other dangerous weapons to attack security forces and create chaos during street demonstrations around Kuala Lumpur such as on October 1998; and

  • Acquiring the assistance and support of silat (martial arts) instructors and influencing a big number of former officers and members of the security forces to join the movement.

Where is the proof now? Have any bombs, grenade launchers, or molotov cocktails been found? Should we call in Hans Blix or the United Nations to help Norian Mai search for these weapons ?

On the other hand, the wave of real crimes continues to rise, as epitomised by Canny Ong's murder.

So, if there is still any sense of honour on Norian's part, he should just resign in shame for lying to the public and for his utter incompetence in leading the police to fight real crimes. Or, he should be sacked immediately.

I am sure there are other more competent and younger officers in the police to take over the job of a real cop, and not become a political hitman for the Barisan Nasional.