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By Mihar Dias October 2024
The phrase “Who guards the guards?” (Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?)—often attributed to the Roman poet Juvenal—poses a timeless question about accountability among those in positions of power.
In modern times, it is no longer emperors like Nero who fuel this query, but institutions like the police force, where power imbalances can create ripe conditions for abuse.
The recent case in Kuala Lumpur, where seven police officers, including a senior assistant superintendent, were arrested for allegedly extorting and molesting a 22-year-old woman, forces us to reflect on how deeply flawed systems can be when those tasked with protecting the public instead prey on the vulnerable.
The implications of this case are disturbing on multiple levels. The involvement of officers from the Cheras Narcotics Crime Investigation Division in such crimes goes beyond a mere dereliction of duty—it is an outright betrayal of public trust. The fact that law enforcement officers, sworn to uphold justice, have been accused of heinous crimes like molestation and extortion underscores the dangers of unchecked power.
Nero, infamous for his tyrannical rule and neglect of the Roman populace, represents the archetype of corrupt authority. Although times have changed, the core issue remains: when those in power turn against the very people they are meant to serve, who holds them accountable?
In this case, the arrests signal that at least some mechanisms of accountability are functioning. However, the fact that the alleged crime was committed by officers from a specialised division raises questions about how often these violations go undetected or unreported.
One of the most chilling aspects of this case is the delay in taking action. Despite public outrage, Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa emphasised that investigations take time, requiring thorough reviews of money transfers, CCTV footage, and the victim’s late report.
Yet, the public's concern lies not just in the mechanics of the investigation but in the perception that police officers can evade justice or intimidate victims into silence. When those responsible for enforcing the law manipulate it for personal gain, the public is left to wonder if they are truly safe.
This brings us back to the core question: Who guards the guards?
If the police cannot police themselves, external oversight is crucial. In Malaysia, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) is supposed to act as this watchdog, but its effectiveness has been questioned time and again. Public scandals involving police misconduct erode confidence in such institutions, leaving a vacuum in accountability.
To restore public trust, reforms are urgently needed. First, there must be greater transparency in police investigations, especially those involving allegations of misconduct. Secondly, the creation of truly independent bodies with the authority to investigate and prosecute corrupt officers is essential. Without this, the police will continue to investigate themselves, perpetuating a culture of impunity.
At the end of the day, cases like this remind us that power, when unchecked, corrupts absolutely.
Whether it’s Nero fiddling while Rome burns or a corrupt police officer shaking down citizens for bribes, the outcome is the same: ordinary people suffer.
In modern-day Malaysia, the flames of injustice are just as dangerous, and unless systemic reforms are put in place, the question of who guards the guards will remain unanswered, leaving citizens vulnerable to those who wield power without accountability.
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