KUCHING: The remarks by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani in insisting that public follow the government dress code at police stations is “flawed and irresponsible”, said Bandar Kuching MP Dr Kelvin Yii.

The Democratic Action Party lawmaker said it is the responsibility of the police force to serve the community and not act as the moral police, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety and security of the people.

“The recent statement by the IGP Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani that insisted that public must follow government dress code at police stations, except in ‘life or death’ emergencies is flawed and irresponsible as it is the utmost responsibility to serve all regardless of situation,” he said in a statement yesterday.

It was recently reported that a woman in Kajang, Selangor was denied entry into a police station there over the length of her trousers.

The woman had wanted to lodge a report after her car was involved in a collision with a truck, but was told by a policeman there that she had to go home and change first as her trousers were above her knees.

Acryl Sani was reported to have described the incident as a ‘misunderstanding’ as the woman had worn pants that ‘showed her thighs’, but insisted that the rules must be followed except when it involves a ‘life or death’ emergency.

In response, Yii said all cases have to be treated as an emergency when a person walks into a police station, whether or not it is a ‘life or death’ situation.

The people, he stressed, should not be barred from entering police stations as no one would go to a police station to lodge a report unless they have to and are in need of police assistance.

“It is not only in cases of life and death – it should not matter at all how a person is dressed in any situation. The police should not impose ‘perceived morality’ which may deny or hinder proper protection or even justice,” he said.

Yii wondered what message the police want to send to the people whom they are meant to protect.

He also reminded the IGP of the fourth principle of Rukun Negara – ‘Kedaulatan Undang-Undang’.

“The fact of the matter is that it is the law of the country that it is not illegal to dress in a certain way as long as it does not breach public decency,” he added.

Yii said it is thus the responsibility of the police to uphold that very law of the country and not impose any other regulations at the police station that may hinder justice.

“The lady had to lodge a report because the law compels her to do so. This duty is required regardless of how she dresses. Thus, the police have to carry out their duty,” he added.

Given this, Yii urged the IGP to retract his statement and the ministry concerned to show leadership and give the needed assurance to the people that they will be served and protected regardless of any circumstances or how they dress.

On Sunday, Acryl Sani said police stations fell under the category of government offices, adding that the Chief Secretary to the Government had in a previous directive made clear the types of clothes that can and cannot be worn.

He insisted that the rules must be followed, and cited ‘Kesopanan dan Kesusilaan’ (courtesy and morality) – the fifth principle of the Rukun Negara – as the basis.