PM: Voluntary units should act within ambit of law

Voluntary crime prevention units should not go overboard to an extent of ignoring the law and disrupting the peace and public security.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak said all parties are subjected to the country’s laws and they should not act or take the law into their own hands.

“The rule of law prevails. Only this way can we be assured of peace and harmony in the country.”

He said this in his speech after presenting the National Sovereignty Medal to 129 recipients, including seven ministers, at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Jalan Semarak in Kuala Lumpur.

Najib said although the government welcomes the move by societies in conducting crime prevention activities, they should comply with the law and did not undermine security and harmony in the country.

The prime minister said the government appreciated their contributions as it was practised before when the country was facing the communist threat.

“We also need the support and cooperation from the people, like when we stifled the communist threat and came up with the phrase winning the hearts and minds of the people.

“Hence, efforts to face outside threats and from within are crucial, but they have to be in accordance with the law. Anything can be discussed, don’t threaten the authorities or debate openly. Don’t do things as you please.”

Najib said this in response to the action of the Penang Voluntary Patrol Unit (PPS) which had created public anxiety.

Police recently detained 145 PPS members for conducting activities despite warning to stop them by inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar.

Khalid issued the warning because PPS is not registered with the Registrar of Societies (ROS).

- Bernama