A top criminologist has called upon the authorities to quickly act on the allegations of corruption and political interference made by former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador so that the revelations will not be in vain.

Datuk P. Sundramoorthy, who is an honorary associate professor of Universiti Sains Malaysia, said it was crucial to pay close attention to the matter as the force was already suffering from a public trust deficit.

“How often does a top cop stick his neck out to expose corruption among senior police officers, or that there have been cover-ups in disciplinary probes involving the police?” asked Sundramoorthy.

“Anyone in their right minds would address what he has said and not downplay the matter, including allegations of political interference in the Police Force Commission.”

He added the trust deficit between the public has widened and that the authorities, including the top leadership in the country, must have the willpower to address the matter.

“I have faith in our new police chief (Datuk Seri) Acryl Sani. I believe he will look into matters raised by Abdul Hamid. What happens next will affect the image and reputation of the Royal Malaysia Police,” he told Twentytwo13.

Acryl can introduce new strategies to deal with policing in the country but cannot ignore the work done by Abdul Hamid, added Sundramoorthy.

“If he does not address allegations raised by the former IGP, there will be a further trust deficit against the force,” he said.

This article first appeared on Twentytwo13.