PHANG ANOTHER BRAVE CITIZEN

In a sense, Malaysia is fortunate to have brave, conscientious and caring citizens like Tan Sri Robert Phang and Dr Mohamad Osman who are willing to come forward to enlighten the public concerning malpractice, fraud, crimes and the like.

MCPF reveals RM98 million alleged police malpractice
By Giam Say Khoon
SUN2SURF
newsdesk@thesundaily.com

KUALA LUMPUR (July 29, 2008) : The Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) today revealed an allegation of malpractice in a RM98 million procurement for the police force involving six high-ranking officers.

Tan Sri Robert Phang during Malaysia Crime
Prevention Foundation press conference.

MCPF executive council member Tan Sri Robert Phang said he received letters which are a compilation of the malpractice on July 23 and the sender, whom he declined to disclose, had requested him to hand over the letters to Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar, Home Ministry secretary-general Tan Sri Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusof and Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

"The whistleblower alleged that the logistic department of the police force had failed to comply with the standard operating procedure (SOP) when conducting procurement including the buying of dogs during the general election (in March).

"Allegations have also named six high-ranking officers ranging from ASP (Assistant Superintendent of Police) to CP (Commissioner of Police)," he told a press conference with former founding president of Transparency International Malaysia Tunku Abdul Aziz Ibrahim.

Phang said he had also consulted the Anti-Corruption Agency (ACA) and was told to hand over the documents to the agency for investigation.

"If one government agency does not follow the SOP, it will lead to malpractice and corruption.

Phang said in view of the recent crackdown on the Immigration scandal and the government's commitment to prevent and fight malpractice as well as corruption, he had discussed the matter with Institute of Integrity Management director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Tap Salleh and Tunku Abdul Aziz.

"We decided that (the best way to uphold) transparency, is to call a press conference to tell the public about it."

"I want to assure the whistleblower, who sent the letters to me, that I will not only hand over the letters to the ACA but also ensure that the letters reach the recipients he named, and I will also make a copy of the letters to Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Mohd Sidek Hassan," he said.

Phang also said he hoped that IGP, who is a no-nonsense man, will not act with double standards upon receiving the letters.

Abdul Aziz said the intention to call for the press conference was not to point fingers at the police but was an effort by the non-governmental organisation to help the police in fighting corruption.

"The whistleblower had chosen not to go directly to the authorities, probably because he does not trust the agencies to do what he considered to be the right thing, which is investigation.

"The whistleblower must have thought Phang has earned enough credibility,... that he will ensure the matters be brought to the attention of the authorities," he added.