Former Inspector-General of Police Tun Hanif Omar's public call on present IGP Musa Hassan to take action against Internet allegations of corruption by the latter is rather unusual. This is because in this country, eminent public figures not known to be pro-opposition almost never publicly utter anything that could be interpreted as critical of the incumbent power.

And believe me, Musa is a power by himself, with no visible oversight from any cabinet authority. (The cabinet member in charge of police, namely Minister of Internal Security, who is also the prime minister seems to be perennially uninvolved with police affairs except in ceremonial functions, while the Deputy Minister of Internal Security seems to be more occupied with his war of words with the police than with proper management of the police portfolio).
Under these circumstances, Hanif is to be commended for making his contribution in filling the huge void of ministerial authority over a much degraded law enforcement agency that seems to slide further in its losing battle against crime - in spite of huge raises in remunerations and increases in manpower and equipment.

In a country where critical views from opposition parties are not given the light of day in our mass media (press, TV & radio), righteous voices from public figures accepted by the ruling power become critical in shaping public opinion and influencing decision-making by the ruling elite.

It is hoped that more such figures would appear on the public radar to emulate Hanif's excellent example and speak up courageously for what is right.