Crime: Home ministry suffers from denial syndrome

The Malaysian Consultative Council of Islamic Organizations (MAPIM) has expressed concern over the reaction from the Home ministry to the series of shooting incidents in the country.

Its president Mohd Azmi Abdul Hamid said Home minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi must “truthfully evaluate the level of national security in the country.”

“In light of recent fatal shooting cases in broad daylight, it is not the time now for finger-pointing but to evaluate fully why criminals commit crimes in this country,” he said in a statement to Harakahdaily.

The shooting incidents, including two involving high profile individuals, have shocked the nation with many fearing their personal safety amid rising crime.

29-year old whistle-blower R Sri Sanjeevan, who heads vocal anti-crime watchdog MyWatch, is said to be battling for his life after a bullet ripped through his rib cage, while 75-year old Hussain Ahmad Najadi, founder of the Arab-Malaysian Bank, was attacked in the heart of Kuala Lumpur in broad daylight on Monday.

Azmi questioned whether the daring criminals had been buoyed by the perception that criminals could escape punishment easily.

“We worry that the Home ministry suffers from the denial syndrome and is ignorant at a time the public is losing confidence in the police’s capability to ensure public safety,” he said.

Earlier, DAP advisor Lim Kit Siang said the security deterioration in the country could have been avoided if the  Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission had been implemented.

Echoing this, Azmi said it was disappointing that the Home ministry continued to reject the formation of IPCMC.