KUCHING: It would be ‘arrogant and unacceptable’ for the police to turn away victims from lodging police reports, due to their perceived improper attire, said Datuk Richard Wee.

The Sarawak Federation of Chinese Associations said while he subscribes to the need to dress appropriately when visiting any government offices, there ought to be a difference when the visit involves government offices or departments that deal with the general public, such as police stations and local councils.

“There should be an expected culture and expected norms to be inculcated among us in our society. But to turn away customers would be arrogant and unacceptable as after all, they are all there to serve the people.

“Imagine if police stations turn away victims who have been involved in accidents, fights or any unforeseen incidents, whereby their attire have been torn or damaged. Would they be asked to go home and change before going to make their reports?

“Sometimes, all those damaged items would need to be used as evidence. Are we to be told to tamper with the possible evidence?” he said when contacted yesterday.

Wee was asked to comment on Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani’s remarks Sunday that anyone going to a police station need to wear appropriate clothing, in line with the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara – ‘Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan’ (courtesy and morality).

According to Wee again, such matter had never been an issue in the past and should not be an issue today, adding he hoped the police and other relevant authorities would exercise their wisdom and be more practical and people-friendly.

He said under certain circumstances, they should not just strictly follow the guidelines and rules especially at the expense of serving the people.

“To do so would be an abuse of the guidelines to the inconvenience of the victims and that is not acceptable,” he added.

He said there is a dire need for a more holistic revamp and better education to enhance the attitude and the system of the country’s civil service.

“The new unity government must show their political will to change and improve the image of the whole civil service, particularly the ones at the frontline dealing with the people,” he added.