Unregistered security units have potential to challenge Federal Government – Tun-Haniff

(Bernama) – Unlawful or unregistered security units which act like vigilantes have potential to become agents to challenge the federal government, said former Inspector-General of Police Tun Haniff Omar.

He said power abuse and aggressive action by the members could undermine public order and lead to the recurrence of the May 13, 1969 tragedy.

“I think the setting up of such a unit can perhaps be seen as a troop which is being planned to challenge the government that is elected by the people,” he told Bernama.

Last Sunday, police detained 156 members of the Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS), including its chairman, Phee Boon Poh, who is also Penang Welfare, Caring Society and Environment Committee chairman, because the organisation is not registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

Out of those detained, four tested positive for drug, 11 people had previous records for various crimes, including criminal intimidation, robbery, theft, culpable homicide and drug abuse, and one was found to be a member of a secret society and had been detained under the Emergency Ordinance.

Tun Haniff said the alleged gangster-like aggressive action by members of the unit should not be condoned for public safety.

“They are said to be efficient in using weapon, like truncheon, and have power like the police. (so), if they act as they please, it certainly will disrupt peace.

“Power abuse can also happen and the people will not feel safe,” he added.

Haniff said what was more worrying was in the recruitment of members where screening was not done to ensure they were not involved in crime.

This could result in criminals to slip and hide in the unit, he added.

Meanwhile, former Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department director Tan Sri Zaman Khan Rahim said PPS should be registered with the ROS before it could be involved in activities which involved the country’s security.

“They cannot act as they please because the question on the country’s security and peace comes under the jurisdiction of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the federal government.

“PPS should not have also challenged PDRM in questioning the power of the police,” he said when contacted by Bernama.