Police keeping details of reshuffle under wraps

SEPANG: Police will not announce the details of the major reshuffle at Bukit Aman's narcotics department as it would create a negative perception towards the officers who are being transferred.
Deputy Prime Minister cum Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said he will let the police conduct the exercise internally.
"The reshuffle is taking place and we will not reveal much details as it could create a negative perception towards the officers who are being transferred. It's a major reshuffle and it should be done internally," he said, adding it is a good move made by the police to restructure the department.
"Although we appreciate the effort of other agencies outside the Home Ministry in monitoring us, excessive publicity could leave a negative perception of the police," Ahmad Zahid said during a press conference after visiting the Orang Asli village in Bukit Dugang, in Dengkil, near here.
Also present was Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.
Ahmad Zahid stressed that his ministry is monitoring all comments made by "netizens" over the reshuffle and assured that the government is committed to improving the situation.
"We are committed to listening and being sensitive to the people's plight, and we are also following all the comments made by netizens on action taken by the police over the issue," he said.
Meanwhile, Noor Rashid said the police are re-evaluating their policy on the personnel reshuffle every three years.
He added they have to consider many issues before being able to implement the policy wholeheartedly.
"In every enforcement agency there will be a reshuffle policy, where after three years they will be transferred.
"But we have to look at many things, for example the employees' children's education and the moving cost, so we are being lenient on that.
"So we are re-evaluating the policy and if we have to stick to the three-year reshuffle policy, then we will adhere," he said.
On May 15, Noor Rashid announced that a major reshuffle of Bukit Aman's narcotics department was expected following the arrest of 16 policemen, including senior officers.
The policemen, some of whom were attached to the Narcotics Department, were alleged to have protected the syndicates instead of going after them.