The Fourth Branch

There exist another branch, which is far influential and efficient. This branch virtually has so much power that it answers to no one. It has a network so vast that almost nothing or no one escapes it. It has millions of tentacles, reaching out far, wide and deep. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the Fourth Branch.

By Kenneth

The separation of powers between the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary authorities forms the basis of Malaysian government. The separation is vital to ensure checks and balances. 

Although the DYMM Yang Di-Pertuan Agong is the Supreme Head of the country, his role is mostly ceremonial as a constitutional monarch. The Prime Minister, who heads the Executive Branch, is the one running the country, with the assistance from the Cabinet. 

Recent events involving the Judiciary have led to the perception that the separation of powers has been abused. Thus, the public perception of the government of Malaysia stooped to its lowest, with many calling for a review of the Judiciary Branch. 

However, there exists another branch, which is far more influential and efficient. This branch has virtually so much power that it answers to no one. It has a network so vast that almost nothing or no one escapes it. It has millions of tentacles, reaching out far, wide and deep. And this, ladies and gentlemen, is the Fourth Branch. 

Now, how can the Fourth Branch be so powerful, one might ask? The answer lies in what they possesses. Cash? Influence? Oh no! They already have loads of cash and its influence is far reaching.  

Information! And this is their biggest asset. And loads of it, all compiled over the years since God knows when! They have in their possession tons of dossiers of businessmen, well known and high profile individuals, VIPs, politicians and more, from all walks of life. From Barisan Nasional to Pakatan Rakyat, and all their component members, from NGOs to religious groups, the Fourth Branch will have dossiers of its leaders or outspoken members. 

The Fourth Branch is so well connected that its business even includes dealings with triad gangs, drugs, prostitution, illegal gambling, human trafficking, pornographic DVDs and all other vices associated with the above. Their total dealings with the illegal trade are so vast that it could rival Petronas. Hence, we could label the Fourth Branch as a licensed legal gangster. While the illegals take protection money from the public, the legals take protection money from the illegals. 

Just what or who are they? They are none other than the Polis Di-Raja Malaysia. While they seem to be subservient to the government of the day, which is BN of course, the reality is that even BN leaders have to be somewhat cautious or apprehensive with the Fourth Branch. 

You see, the modus operandi of the Fourth Branch is simple. You scratch my back, I’ll look the other way. I scratch yours and you look the other way. They just want to be left with their own devices. But to mess with them will be hazardous. 

Do think that the Fourth Branch do not know of Soi Lek’s acting skills before being made public? Do you think these fellas do not know in depth about what happened to a certain Aminah from Mongolia? Hell, they are the ones handling the investigation! 

The dossiers in their possession are used as leverage for all kinds of dealings and unless you are the spotless Dalai Lama, you have nothing to fear. But what they have is information about businessmen, well known and high profile individuals, VIPs, politicians and even family members. If you happen to fall into these categories of people, beware. From kinky escapades, having a mistress or even your sexual preferences to running a red light, chances are they already know it. 

The Fourth Branch has so much information that to reveal all would be disastrous. Governments could collapse, thus ensuring chaos. So, they cleverly practice selective information dissemination. They are so good with it that black could be white and white could be black. 

Politicians, those that walk in the corridors of power, engage the services of the Fourth Branch all the time. Be it to ensure one’s own survival or to clamp down dissidents and critics. To facilitate this, those that walk in the corridors of power make and pass laws that give absolute power to the Fourth Branch. In return, the politician turns a blind eye on the misdeeds of the Fourth Branch. Most of the top brass in the Fourth Branch will even be offered some high post in some GLC upon their retirement. 

Ever wondered why the delay in setting up a Royal Commission to monitor the police? The Fourth Branch shot it down. And there is not a thing that the government can do for its leverage is so strong it even sends shivers throughout Putrajaya. 

Their network does not confine itself to within Malaysia only, for the Fourth Branch have the help of Interpol. So would you believe it if they say they can't locate poor Bala? But somehow, they can trace RPK to Brisbane. 

You know, policing is big business. The higher the rank the more lucrative the business. In policing, one does not need financial capital. Just a badge will do. Then the capital will come naturally.  

I have always wondered what happens to all those drugs or cash that the police confiscated in the raids they conducted. Do they keep an inventory of all these confiscated stuff? And is there an external or independent auditor to verify all these? If this is the case, can the findings be made public? But I guess all the Fourth Branch needs is a dossier on the auditor! 

Of course, there are honest and outstanding officers but it only takes a few rotten fellas to paint the whole force in bad light. I just wish that there was another branch that can police the police. But then, will this new branch evolve into something more powerful that the Fourth Branch? If so, then we will need another branch to monitor this new branch. So where will it end?