NST 26/06/07
RELA, or the People’s Volunteer Corps, is pushing for a separate law to govern its operations. Home Affairs Ministry parliamentary secretary Datuk Paduka Abdul Rahman Ibrahim said Rela would then function as a department with greater authority.
http://www. malaysiakini.com/news/67858
Q&A: We act within the law
Andrew Ong
May 29, 07 12:26pm
Ever since the People’s Volunteer Corps (Rela) was granted the power to arrest illegal immigrants in 2005, there have been a slew of accusations that some personnel have abused their powers – in some cases, through allegedly violent means.
In an interview, Rela director-general Zaidon Asmuni insisted that personnel “strictly adhere to” standard operating procedures (SOP) and act according to the law.
Malaysiakini: What are the requirements to join Rela?
Zaidon Asmuni: Ordinary Malaysian citizens above the age of 16 who hold an identity card are eligible to enrol as volunteers. We can use our powers to recruit personnel, but this only happens during a period of emergency.
Malaysiakini: What is the screening process for recruits?
Zaidon Asmuni: Nowadays we don’t have to screen. Anyone can join and become a Rela member. If we were to conduct a screening exercise, it would take the police some time (to do so), because they have their own priorities. Those who join will receive a membership card within two weeks. It’s as simple as that.
Malaysiakini: Is there a need for the district Rela officer to get permission from you to conduct a raid on illegal immigrants?
Zaidon Asmuni: No need. We give them a blanket approval since our core business now is against illegal immigrants. It is stated in our regulations that operations can be conducted without police or immigration (supervision).
Malaysiakini: How are the personnel trained?
Zaidon Asmuni: The most important training is the Kursus Asas Rela (Basic Training Course) that lasts 10 days.
Malaysiakini: Does this cover legal matters?
Zaidon Asmuni: Yes. We invite the police to talk on related matters. We invite the immigration (department) to explain how to deal with illegal immigrants. We have a special lesson on how to carry out operations based on our SOP… The purpose is to expose members to government departments especially in relation to enforcement matters.
Malaysiakini: What about human rights training?
Zaidon Asmuni: The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) provides training for district Rela officers, their deputies and officers at the headquarters – if we have money and time, we would extend this to all members. It’s good to have (training) under Suhakam. At least our officers get basic (knowledge) about human rights. Otherwise, it would be difficult for them to perform their duties.
Malaysiakini: In view of the amount of complaints about Rela personnel being unprofessional, do you think a 10-day course is enough?
Zaidon Asmuni: Even though the immigration department has an induction course of two to three months, it doesn’t mean that all three months are spent on dealing with operations. Perhaps one or two days (are spent on) that topic. Ten days is enough for us. We know how to conduct raids and the normal procedures involved. Within a few courses or (field) experience, they become well versed. Our operations are the sam as how the police and immigration conduct raids. Normally the public says Rela has no authority or experience. To them, when the police conduct raids, it’s OK. But when we do so, it is not. The reality is, we have SOP which we strictly adhere to… we just do our duties according to the law.
Malaysiakini: When are personnel allowed to carry arms?
Zaidon Asmuni: Not in all situations. They are not allowed to carry guns unless we receive prior knowledge of a protest or riot at the targeted area. Ordinary members just carry a stick solely for self protection. (Those carrying guns), like myself, have a license issued by a district police chief.
Malaysiakini: What is the status on gazetting of Rela uniforms?
Zaidon Asmuni: At the moment is is still not gazetted. (There have been cases of robbers posing as Rela members. The uniforms are easily available as they are not gazetted unlike those worn by the armed forces and police.) If the (home) ministry orders us to do it, we’ll do it. The ministry normally decides on policy matters.
Malaysiakini: There is a claim that Rela is paying members RM80 per illegal immigrant detained…
Zaidon Asmuni: This does not exist. We have an allowance. People who join Rela aren’t looking for monetary gain. They want to serve the country voluntarily and serve the government.
Malaysiakini: What has been the main difference in Rela since its inception up to now?
Zaidon Asmuni: The difference is in the powers given. All this while, only the police and immigration could go against illegal immigrants. But since March 2005 (see chart), Rela has been given the power to do so. These three agencies can now work together or separately. The unique part about Rela (as an enforcement agency) is in our numbers. I was from the immigration department (as Pahang Immigration director). Whenever I conducted a raid, the most I could bring was about 20 officers. For 20 people to cordon off a big kongsi (housing for construction workers) which may contain 100 illegal immigrants, the number of arrests would be low. Rela can call up 300 members. I think not even one (illegal immigrant) can run (away from the raid). The uniqueness of Rela lies in our large numbers. Perhaps if we combine the number of police and armed forces members, it is still smaller compared to Rela membership which stands at 475,000.
Malaysiakini: When Rela personnel detain someone, what rules are invoked?
Zaidon Asmuni: We use the Emergency (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat) Regulations 1972. After that, we surrender the illegal immigrants to the immigration department. We are given the powers to check travel documents. If someone does not possess any travel document, we will lodge a police report before sending the person to the immigration depot. After an operation, we would lodge a cover report with the police noting the place, time and other details.
Malaysiakini: So every time Rela conducts an operation, a police report has to be lodged?
Zaidon Asmuni: Every time, even if no one is arrested. The police know (about our activities). The cover report is just to protect ourselves.
Malaysiakini: Does the Rela headquarters have a unit to receive complaints?
Zaidon Asmuni: Yes. The public relations officer handles complaints. Normally, if I receive a complaint from the public, even if it is anonymous, I will go down (to the ground to) investigate.
Malaysiakini: What kind of disciplinary action can Rela take against members?
Zaidon Asmuni: The obvious one is that we revoke membership. It’s as simple as that. We cannot take members to court. We don’t have that kind of mechanism. If the member has committed a crime, it is up to the police to investigate under the Penal Code. But as far is Rela concerned, if find out that anyone has misused their powers, we don’t take them along for the next operation. If the person continues to abuse his power, our final decision is to terminate his membership. Normally, district Rela officers would make recommendations to the state director who would make recommendations to me. Only the director-general has the authority to terminate the membership of a member.
Malaysiakini: Some quarters are calling for the abolition of Emergency laws, the disbanding of Rela and the revocation of the 2005 amendments.
Zaidon Asmuni: Who am I to comment on the regulations? These laws are formulated by the attorney-general. I’m here to implement (the law). If they want to make such recommendations, they should take it to the top. If they take away our powers, we’ll accept it. We’ll fulfil our social obligations like helping with community projects like gotong-royong and kenduri (feasts) and donate blood, as we have always done.
Malaysiakini: Do you feel that Rela need more specific powers?
Zaidon Asmuni: We want not only the power to check passports and travel documents. If you ask me, we want more than that. We want the power to investigate and prosecute in court. But who am I to ask for this? For now, we will follow whatever is stated in the law.
Rela Watch 
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