By JASON LIOH
MALACCA: The Home Ministry is mulling over whether to upgrade Rela to an enforcement agency in a move to enhance its enforcement and public order operations.
Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said a draft of the proposal was being finalised for consideration by the Government.
“The role and responsibility of Rela has increased and become even more challenging,” he told reporters after attending a get-together between its officers and leaders at the Rela Southern Zone Training Camp in Sungai Udang yesterday.
“So it is appropriate that the organisation is upgraded to an enforcement agency under the ministry.”
Syed Hamid said the move would allow for better logistical support and funding for facilities, equipment, and uniforms for its personnel.
“We need to give the 508,000 volunteers sufficient training, not only to enhance the capability of Rela but also to further assist the police and immigration. To date, Rela has caught 73,938 illegal immigrants,” he added.
Under the 9th Malaysia Plan, three more Rela training camps would be set up – in Negri Sembilan, Pahang and Perak – to complement the existing camps at Sungai Udang in Malacca, Sungai Petani in Kedah and Tuaran in Sabah.
On Makkai Osai, Syed Hamid reiterated that the decision not to renew the vernacular paper’s licence was taken after thorough consideration.
The Government did not restrict the publication of newspapers as the media had a role to play in society, he said, but cautioned news publications to not create conflict or disharmony among the people,
“Freedom comes with responsibilities. The Government allows ample freedom of speech and practices democracy with fairness and integrity,” he said.
