"Review the crime statistics:" Musa Hassan

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan suggested the police review the crime statistics following reports that the public is not convinced that the crime rate is down.

Musa said such re-assessment is needed in order to preserve the credibility of the police force and Home Ministry so as to enable them to regain public confidence.

He was clarifying a news report by The Malaysian Insider where he reportedly accused the authorities of hiding facts from the public over the country’s crime rate.

The news report also stated that the crime rate is now at “worrying stage.”

Speaking to The Mole Musa said: “It is not me who said the crime rate is high. It is the people who said so.”

“To me even if the statistic showed a drop in crime rate, if the public feels otherwise, something is wrong somewhere.”

He added, “That is why I suggested the police to review the survey. (When I was the IGP) I had asked USM (Universti Sains Malaysia) to do the statistic and study on crime.”

“Despite the crime prevention efforts, the police need to do something to improve public perception on crime as well,” he said.

Musa’s statement in the news portal had drawn a response from the chairman of Social Care Foundation Tan Sri Robert Phang.

In his press statement Phang had asked Musa to explain on the rise of crime rate during his tenure as an IGP.

“If at all, the system was not functioning well, Musa should have put in more efforts to “redress” the issue, being the IGP in that period,” Phang said.

When contacted for response on Musa’s explanation, Phang said: “As an experienced man Musa should know better to prepare his speech when talking to reporters.”

“To avoid himself being misquoted, he should have a prepared a text and stick to it.”

Phang however said he still stood by his words and seeks Musa’s clarification on increasing crime rate between year 2006 to 2009.

Source: MOLE