Rela must get its act together

I wrote this response to Razali Haji Mohamed Yassin who was obviously covering for his boss, the DG of Rela.

-------------------

I refer to the letter written by Razali Haji Mohamed Yassin (The Star, June 19) who wrote on behalf of the Director-General of Rela, in response to my comments regarding the Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia.

His letter only further highlights and demonstrates the issues behind the concerns of Malaysians anxious of the perceived increased in powers entrusted to Rela.

In fact, several of Razali's points contradicted those of his boss, the Director General in the latter's published interview (The Star, June 10), and are poor reflections of an organisation which is supposed to be involved in the enforcement of the law and assisting the police.

Razali's statement that the authority given to Rela since March 2005 is limited to only 290 Rela officers appointed by the Government, is a case in point. It is very obvious that the people at the platoon level didn’t get the memo concerning this as there have been too many occasions during operations where individual Rela members have, imbued with perceived vested authority, acted with impunity like "little Napoleons" and with little regard or respect of issues such as human rights and dignity.

Razali stated that there was confusion of Rela's authority which has raised questions about the integrity of Rela. I would agree to this and add that there also exists continued confusion within Rela's own ranks as to what it can and cannot do, which is an injustice to the men and women who have contributed their time to be part of this voluntary body. I refer back to the interview with the DG, who accurately relates and appears to condone the actual conduct (not wearing uniforms and being enraged at being asked for identification) of officers and members during undercover operations against illegal immigrants.

However, I am glad that Razali clarified and highlighted the requirement for the wearing of Rela uniforms during operations and the need for all personnel to produce identification when requested to do so by the public. These two critical issues, featured prominently and alarmingly during the interview with the DG, are necessary to prevent the abuse of power and corruption.

It is unfortunate that Rela, which has and continues to be a tremendous asset involved in social development programmes and humanitarian operations from the individual village up to the national level, has been dragged into the issue of illegal immigrants. Razali implies in his letter that illegal immigrants are exclusively responsible for the spread of social ills and diseases in this country, and that Rela needs to help the Government in dealing with this problem. I content that Rela has no role in this and should not be involved.

Razali should also drop the paternalistic tone in his response ("everyone should be thankful for Rela's contribution..") as his letter has failed to address the Malaysian public's and my own continued concern and reality of allegations of violence, abuse of power, and criminality amongst a group of individuals who are insufficiently trained. The continued disconnect of the policy makers in the Ministry of Home Affairs and the failure to acknowledge and address the reality on the ground is an alarming yet familiar trend which must speedily be addressed.

I have tremendous respect to the thousands of Malaysians who have volunteered their time and energy to any organisation which contributes to the well-being of the country. However, refusing to address the concerns of the public regarding the proper conduct of Rela members and failing to provide and enforce clear guidelines, training, direction and mandate to this voluntary body, is a continued disservice to these women and men.

To earn the respect of the Malaysian public, Rela must get its act together