Shoot First, Ask Later: A Time Tested Method in Catching Bad Guys

Published at 1:23 AM in Commentary

By LILIAN ANN STRUTT

Perhaps the PDRM absorbed too much from their many stints in Datuk Yusuf Haslam's Gerak Khas drama series. They are beginning to confuse real life with the make-believe scenes of the popular Malaysian police television drama. They seemed to have forgotten that in real life, there is no director to yell "Cut" or demand for a retake. They have forgotten that in real life, there is no such thing as an edit button to buff out the bad and the ugly. They have forgotten that in real life, once a person is dead, they will stay dead.

Teenager Aminulrasyid was indeed at fault for using his sister's car without permission and driving without a license. But let us place that fact to the side for now and talk about the deathly force used to stop the "criminals".

According to statements released by the police, the victim and his friend were thought to be criminal suspects and therefore shots were fired.

In a report by Aminulrasyid's friend and fellow joyrider, Azamuddin Omar, he and Aminulrasyid were speeding and overtook a police MPV. He then claimed that the police gave chase and fired at them, causing them to crash the car.

The friend then said he ran out of the car to surrender himself to the police and was kicked in the back by a policeman.

He also claimed that soon after, other policemen started to join in the beating. Azamuddin claimed that after struggling for some time, he managed to get away and made his way home.

Which means that Aminulrasyid was left defenseless, friendless and witness-free.

The police claimed they had found a parang in the vehicle. Therefore it makes it more justifiable for them to shot at the boys in the first place, won't you say so? Of course right? Isn't that what they are trained for? See a speeding vehicle, shoot. Find dangerous weapon in suspect's car, pat yourself on the back.

To those that said those policemen are trigger-happy, shame on you. They are only doing their job. Next time why don't you try and identify criminals while driving at the speed of 120 km per hour. Too add to their burden, they must be able to shoot at a moving target. Not an easy task right?

Perhaps those policemen were blessed with mind reading capabilities. That would certainly help them when they made the decision to open fire on someone who's faces they saw in mere seconds as they zoomed by. Yes, that is certainly it.

Therefore, a note to all felons and crooks-to-be, if you are out there doing your "business" and you happen to stumble upon Malaysia's finest on the road, do not speed. Stay calm. Give them a wave or nod even. Because speeding is a dead give-away and it gives them ground to empty their machine guns at you.

I wonder why this procedure is not practice upon the Mat Rempits though? They certainly make excellent target practice.

As for myself, I'm glad that I drive like a grandmother. Or else...