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Media Statement         
by Lim Kit Siang  
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(Parliament, Sunday): The Chinese media gave front-page news and photo coverage to the “show of force” of the police in Johore Baru in projecting high police visibility in crime-prone areas, including night police patrols. 

This is welcome by all, not only by the long-suffering people of Johore Baru from the reign of terror from rampaging crime wave, but also by all Malaysians throughout the country – showing that the police is capable of responding to public opinion and pressures. 

The visible police presence day-and-night in Johore Baru must not be a transient “PR exercise” which will be forgotten after the end of the current nation-wide outcry at police failure to control and reduce crime, but must be a permanent feature of policing not only in JB but nation-wide, especially in hot spots of crime like Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Penang and Ipoh.

As an immediate follow-up to the stepped-up police presence and visibility in the streets and public places in JB to fight crime, the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan should also announce measures to duplicate such high night-and-day police visibility in the crime “black areas” of Kuala Lumpur, Petaling Jaya, Klang, Penang and Ipoh. 

When over 250,000 signatures nation-wide responded to the 100,000-signature campaign launched in JB to restore safety and security, it is a clear message to the police, government, Cabinet and Parliament that the Malaysian public are not prepared to keep silent anymore to be sitting targets and victims of rampant crime and lawlessness, whether in JB or any part of the country. 

The Police should commend the Malaysian public for their awareness and public-spirited response to the signature campaign, as well as praise the media, in particular the Chinese media, for their high standards of journalism in reporting the people’s legitimate cries for effective policing to control and reduce crime. 

I will propose at the meeting of the Parliamentary Caucus on Human Rights and Good Governance tomorrow the holding of nation-wide public hearings not only in JB but also in other parts of the country, particularly the black areas of crime like the Klang Valley, Penang, Ipoh, Batu Pahat, Alor Star and  Sungai Petani to allow Malaysians to speak out their innermost fears and concerns about the crime situation. 

Fighting crime to restore to Malaysians their fundamental right to be doubly free from crime and free from the fear of crime must always remain the top national agenda and not be allowed to be sidetracked as minor issue, as it is critical to the quality of life of Malaysians as well as determining the economic future and prosperity of the country – in assuring tourists and investors that they are safe to visit Malaysia or choose Malaysia as their investment destination.

(24/6/2007)