‘Chinese worry lack of fairness in police force’
The Chinese community lacks motivation to join the police force due to fears they will not be promoted
Alyaa, Azhar, FMT
The Chinese are apprehensive about joining the police force due to the perceived lack of fairness.
PKR MP Sim Tze Tzin told FMT that though this may not be true, the Chinese are worried that they lack the chances to move up in ranks.
“They are scared they will be stuck at only the assistant superintendant of police level and they feel there will never be a chance for a Chinese to become the Inspector-General of Police,” he said.
The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) last week began a two-month recruitment campaign that targets candidates from the Chinese community who are between 18 to 28 years old.
Chinese Malaysians now account for 1,974 of the 111,395 police personnel in the country.
Sim however was all for a multiracial police force especially since crime transcends race and religion.
Explaining an example, he said: “The Chinese might understand more about how the Ah Long work.” (Ah Long is a term used to describe illegal money lenders)
He however admitted that the Chinese themselves must change their mindset in order to build the country together.
“It’s like a chicken and egg thing. More Chinese should join the force if they want to make it better,” he said.
Sim also cited a Chinese proverb which says that good men should not become soldiers.
“However, I do not believe this. Look at the Hong Kong and Singaporean police. They are very professional.”
The Bayan Baru MP told FMT of a friend who had always wanted to become a police officer.
His friend did not join the police force due to the stigma surrounding it.
“The stigma put him off and he joined something that he did not like. However, he now regrets his decision,” he said.
