Azlan Othman

His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam yesterday called for firmness and courage in leadership to curb unethical and unprofessional behaviour in the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF).

In a titah during a working visit to the RBPF yesterday, His Majesty said, “We should be proud that the RBPF is almost 100 years old. At such an age, it should be seasoned and strong under ever-changing leaderships, as well as efficient and venerable.

“But over the past few years, the RBPF’s credibility has been questioned, owing to several incidences such as weaknesses in handling high-profile criminal cases. In 2004, a criminal escaped from police detention, as well as in 2008, 2011, 2017 and 2018, in addition to the involvement of senior police personnel in corruption or criminal breach of trust in 2015.

“These incidents have tainted the good image of the RBPF, and we cannot accept this. It is not new for the RBPF to have a leadership, as the posts of Commissioner of Police and the Deputy Commissioner of Police have existed since the enforcement of our country’s written Constitution of 1959.

“Hence, issues such as weaknesses in the RBPF due to a lack of leadership should not occur. What is needed is the way to shape such a leadership.

“Within the police force, disrespectful behaviour among subordinates who refuse to salute their superiors should not be tolerated. This is not policing, and if there are any such individuals, then they are unfit to be police personnel, let alone assume leadership. I wish to remind that in lending support for rank promotions, this matter should be taken into account.”

On matters relating to high-ranking police personnel in the RBPF, His Majesty wished to see plans in the provision of successors. “This is crucial towards ensuring quality leadership. Leadership must be transparent, fair and courageous enough in decision-making. Brave and fair leaders do not yield to unforeseen circumstances, but are ready to face them.

“Within the RBPF, there may be certain officers and staff who are not ethical, which includes being ill-disciplined and unprofessional in the execution of tasks. Then there are those who are possibly involved in criminal activities such as drinking alcohol and so on.

“This requires firmness and courage on the part of the leadership to contain, or else this affliction will spread out of control.

“Inefficiency in management and administration in the RBPF should not occur, as it is a security agency.

“Sadly, this is the case now. For instance, three years ago, a criminal broke into and ransacked a floral and boutique shop. The criminal activity was clearly recorded on CCTV, and his fingerprints were found at several points inside the shop. But the police still failed to successfully handle the case due to inefficiency, compared to other instances where the police are normally able to apprehend suspects, despite the lack of evidence.

“We should feel challenged by this, and need to learn from more experienced parties in overcoming the problem. We cannot afford to take any failings lightly. There is no shame about wanting to learn more, but it is shameful if we fail to address deficiencies that should not have been allowed to happen.”

Besides management and administration, His Majesty also urged for a proper assessment and upgrading of all district police stations and barrack blocks.

“Take for instance, the Muara Police Station that houses barracks, bungalows, a hall and a football ground, all of which are in a state of neglect. The compound area behind the barrack is not properly maintained and covered with weeds. The rubbish disposal site is not handled properly, while in front of the police station are abandoned vehicle wrecks.

“All these require effective discernment from the RBPF leadership. Any deficiencies are the product of human error and accordingly, human resources should not be taken for granted. If the human resources are good, then the results will be good, and vice-versa.”

His Majesty then raised the issue of unfairness in the administration of the RBPF Welfare Fund. “The collection for the Welfare Fund is made by the police force for its officers and staff. But there are reports of low-ranking personnel being unhappy and dissatisfied with the way the collected funds are being administered.

“They claim that during events or functions, money from the fund will only be used if officers are invited. If low-ranking personnel are invited, then they will be asked to contribute to cover the expenses for the event. These low-ranking personnel say it is unfair that they were segregated, to the point of not being allowed to reap benefits from the fund.”

His Majesty added, “If this is true, then I am on the side of the low-ranking personnel who have been unfairly treated or sidelined. It is sad to see this matter happening at the RBPF, a security agency, and I urge for this matter to be investigated and rectified.

“This only illustrates the weakness of the police force. It is not only a weakness, but has the potential to affect their overall performance. They should not merely squabble or feel dissatisfied among themselves, but more importantly, they should realise that police work is becoming more challenging and difficult.

“Looking at police statistics, the crime rate is high, especially property crimes such as theft, car break-ins, vehicle theft, loss of valuables, robbery, possessing stolen items and house break-ins.

“In 2017 alone, some 3,090 cases towards property were recorded, which along with other crimes would amount to 5,192 cases.

“My advice to the police force is to seek excellence in their career, prevent crime and free our nation from crime. This is the true task of the police force,” said His Majesty, concluding the titah.