Oh No! Another Police Arms Heist

I am alarmed at today's report that a break-in resulting in the theft of 21 guns and some 500 bullets from the police armoury have occurred at the General Operations Force (GOF) Camp (9th Battalion) in Kubang Badak, Kuala Terengganu early yesterday.

The fact that the thieves had not been able to take away a cache of M16 and Heckler & Koch MP5 assault rifles and flare grenades is small comfort.

This latest security breach is the third incident of arms heist since the year 2000 when in July of that year, 15 members of the deviant Al-Ma'unah group broke into the Territorial Army's 304th battalion camp in Grik and carted away 116 weapons and ammunition resulting in the tragedy that subsequently unfolded in Sauk.

This latest incident is another damper to the morale of the police force, coming hot on the heels of the recent scandals which have negatively affected their image and reputation. I can't help but feel concerned about what the thieves intended to do with the stolen weapons. There's too much violence going on around the world and it is going to be tough work for our police officers to keep our country safe and peaceful from all the terrorists, deviationists and criminals lurking out there. Already they are under all sorts of pressure from the people and government due to the actions of a few bad hats. Let us all hope that the good cops within the force will be inspired to turn around the negativity affecting their profession and lead by example in showing Malaysians and the whole world that they can and will do their utmost to shoulder their job responsibilities to the highest level of professionalism and integrity for the good of our country and society, irregardless of the snide remarks being hurled in their direction during these turbulent days.