Response from Rela

Yesterday, The Star published a response to my and somebody else's letter, written by Razali Mohamed Yassin of Rela, Ministry of Home Affairs:

Rela doing a great job
The Star (19 June 2007)

I REFER the letters written by Azrul Mohd Khalib (The Star, June 12) and SH (The Star, June 13).
Rela welcomes any comments, ideas or responses that can improve its efficiency and role.

Up to May 31, Rela had 480,023 participants, of which 43,1867 are Relawans and 48,156 Relawatis. They come from different backgrounds and education levels and are of various ages.

The authority that was given to Rela since March 2005 was for only the 290 Rela officers appointed by the Government. The 480,023 Rela participants were not vested with this authority.

This has to be clarified, as many parties are confused over Rela's authority so much so it has become a major issue, raising questions about the integrity of Rela.

Rela members are only given the authority when they are involved in operations that are led by at least one Rela officer.

Their authority will only last during the duration of the operation and shall expire once the operation is completed.

Members of Rela are required to wear their uniforms during any operation and the public can request identification from members of Rela if they are suspicious of their actions.

A Rela member can also be identified by his name and platoon number that appears on the uniform.
Between Jan 1 and June 13, Rela arrested 18,445 illegal immigrants in 3,713 operational areas.
The increasing number shows the commitment and sacrifices of Rela members who are willing to help the Government deal with the influx of illegal immigrants.

An allegation that Rela members are only interested in the payment of RM80 for each illegal immigrant is not true.

The Government has also declared that the problem of illegal immigrants is the second biggest problem after drugs.

This issue is serious as illegal immigrants cause problems for the country, including the spread of social ills and diseases.

Everyone should be thankful for Rela's contribution, which has to be seen positively because there have not been enough volunteers in this country.

Rela's sense of patriotism and responsibility has to be respected and it is unfair if some of us try to deny its contribution and call for the force to be disbanded.

Rela is not just involved in operations but also in social activities, human development and socio-economic programmes.

Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO), associations and individuals should help Rela overcome its weaknesses and come out with suggestions, ideas or guidance so that the Government can continue to support and protect Rela against unnecessary criticism or comments.

The suggestion to disband Rela is not practical.

RAZALI BIN HAJI MOHAMED YASSIN,
On the behalf of the Director-General,
Ikatan Relawan Rakyat Malaysia (RELA)
Ministry of Home Affairs.