HM censures police for corrupt practices

The Inspector General of The Royal Brunei Police Force, His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah
Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam delivers his Titah
yesterday during the working visit to the Police Headquarters

Quratul-Ain Bandial
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN

HIS Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mui’izzaddin Waddaulah, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, publicly censured the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) yesterday for corrupt practices, questioning why only 21 per cent of criminal cases were solved in 2014.

The monarch, in his capacity as Inspector-General of RBPF, made an impromptu visit to the police headquarters in Gadong, casting a scrutinising light on police operations.

In a titah delivered at the Officers’ Mess, His Majesty cited several cases of police corruption, including the case of a high-ranking police officer indicted for graft two weeks ago. The superintendent in question allegedly accepted a luxury car from a convicted criminal in exchange for helping him cross the border illegally.

“These cases have happened many times in the past – of policeman receiving or demanding bribes from offenders. Although the policeman has done the right thing by apprehending the offender, but somehow shamelessly changes his mind by asking for something in return for letting the offenders go scot-free instead of bringing them to justice.”

The Sultan said this had been the case with traffic offenders and those found committing khalwat (close proximity). He added that police officers have also been found to be involved in immoral activities, such as gambling, drinking and smuggling banned goods.

“Such elements of lawlessness, if the police are also implicated, will taint the image of the police force,” he stressed.

“We are worried this syndrome has infected our police force, as evidenced by the statistics of crimes occurring in 2014, when a total of 6,824 cases were recorded but only 1,228 or 21 per cent were solved. Where are the other 5,596 cases which were not heard of?”

His Majesty added that these statistics do not include more serious crimes, such as murder and armed robbery, which the police have so far “failed to bring to justice”.

“The failure to solve these cases undoubtedly is due to weakness… such as police officers who are not competent to look after public safety, dishonesty, disloyalty, and lack of integrity.”

He said evidence seized during criminal investigations are frequently reported missing due to carelessness and “acts committed by deceitful hands”.

“Many criminal cases cannot be brought to court because the files have gone missing. Why are they missing or lost? Were these made to disappear deliberately to dispose of material evidence or simply due to the carelessness of the investigating officers?”

The monarch said all these issues were proof of police inefficiency, and that Islam severely condemns corruption, whether for material gain or the accrual of power.

“Bribery is undoubtedly dangerous to the nation. Because of corrupt practices the government machinery can be adversely affected, and when the government machinery is affected, the provision of services to the people will be compromised.”

His Majesty said both the bribe-giver and bribe-taker should be punished equally, yet it is usually just the bribe-taker who gets dragged to court.

“Are the bribe-givers given protection because they have provided information? … Bribe-takers have been arrested, while the bribe-givers are freed. Is it because we have come to regard collaborating with the authorities as a right to legal protection?

“If this is true, letting go of the bribe-giver and punishing the bribe-taker is an act that is one-sided, in disregard for the principles of justice. Both are both guilty and deserve to be punished in Hell as promised by Allah (SWT),” he said, asking the relevant authorities to look into the matter.

The Sultan also urged police personnel “not to be weak”, and avoid corruption at all costs.

“Being a member of the police is an honourable occupation, respected by people of all walks of life. It is also a force that looks after the security of the nation… That is why it is essential for holders of the post to maintain their reputation, and at the same time be firm and honest.”

“Corruption is a disease, the destroyer of happiness. Those perpetuating corruption or bribery are criminals. Punish them justly,” he said.


Sumber - The Brunei Times