The setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) is on the lips of all the personalities malaysiakini spoke to today regarding Musa Hassan's new position as the country's top police officer.

Musa, who joined the force in 1969, is succeeding outgoing Inspector-General of Police Mohd Bakri Omar next Tuesday.

Musa's 'legacy' as deputy IGP includes the infamous case of the handphone video clip of the nude ear squat woman, where he initially said the offender is the "perpetrator behind the video footage" instead of the police maltreatment.

He also headed the Bukit Aman team in assisting the prosecution in Anwar Ibrahim's corruption trial in 1999.

Malaysiakini spoke to the following on their expectations of the new IGP.

Lim Kit Siang, parliamentary opposition leader

Congratulations to Musa on his appointment. The question uppermost for Malaysians is whether Musa's promotion would make any difference in the law-and-order situation in the country. Whether they can look forward to a safe and low-crime Malaysia.

I call on Musa to announce his strategy as to how he proposes to accomplish the three most important challenges facing the police, which had been outlined by the Royal Police Commission with its 125 recommendations:

  • To reduce crime and abolish the fear of crime
  • An efficient, incorruptible, human rights-sensitive, professional world-class police service;
  • Establishment of the IPCMC

Ramon Navaratnam, Transparency International Malaysia president

I think there are high expectations (on Musa's new appointment). (Outgoing IGP) Bakri Omar was not conscious enough to take measures so Musa now has the challenge with his longer tenure.

Musa has got the benefit from the Police Commission Report that addresses greater public concerns to the deteriorating security situation. I believe he will have strong government and public support for any measures he may want to take to improve the situation.

We cannot judge him on just one incident (referring to the nude squat). It's not fair to do so. We have to judge him on his overall track record. I believe there is no perfect person on earth and we make mistakes all the time. We should look forward to giving him support so that he can fulfill his duties well.

He should consult the people and have sessions (with them). He should also encourage people to help themselves like the Rakan Cop and Rukun Tetangga programmes.

On the IPCMC, Musa must give it his serious considerations to implement it. That way, there will be more transparency in all spheres of police work.

I think that will be the first 'project' people will judge him by.

Yeo Yang Poh, Bar Council president

The Bar hopes Musa will lead the police force into supporting rather than opposing the setting up of the IPCMC. One of the issues he has to deal with is to start educating his own police personnel and changing their mindset into one that embraces the IPCMC.

That will help in the long term to enhance the image and prestige of the entire force rather than its current negative image.

One of the important tasks ahead for him is to turn the negative views (on the IPCMC implementation) into a positive one.

Dr B Chandran, coordinator of Police Watch Malaysia

There are so many people better off to be the IGP) as far as we can see. We know a lot of people don't trust Musa Hassan. We want somebody straight, truthful and is a defender of rights - not someone who defends people who have done wrong. I don't know him personally but we have corresponded. He is not cooperative and is never willing to see us whenever we want to set up a meeting with him.

We don't see him solving any problems. Just like the nude squat issue when he blamed the person filming the video rather than the abuse of prisoners. He diverts from the issue and doesn't address it. He is not fit to be in that position.

We've already referred him to the police disciplinary board over the Francis Udayappan case when he ruled out any police foul play. We cannot afford to have an IGP who is unsuitable for the job as it would be detrimental to the police force and the country.

He should get the government to set up the IPCMC immediately if he is serious to improve things.