The Malaysian government has no plans to disband Rela, a body of vigilantes that detects illegal migrants, but will continue to improve the organisation, provide training and exposure to its members.
- Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar said although there were instances of abuse by Rela members, there was no need to disband the volunteer organisation, adding that it had performed well.
- 'There are no plans whatsoever to disband Rela,' The Star quoted him as saying in reaction to a demand by the country's Bar Council.
- 'The Bar Council surely has better things to do than to call for Rela to be disbanded,' he said in an interview.
- The council made the call recently, citing numerous reports alleging that Rela members had abused their powers during enforcement raids.
- Albar said that if there were problems within Rela, efforts should be made to tackle them.
- 'Rela has served the country well and has a useful purpose. Yes, there are instances of abuse, but we take quick action,' he said, adding that Rela members were also better disciplined now.
- 'These are volunteers and we want to encourage the spirit of volunteerism,' he said but noted that the government would not compromise on standards.
- Syed Hamid said that the complaints against Rela were not big despite Rela having about 200,000 active members.
- The Bar Council in a report said the Rela members were given only two weeks' training and they went beyond detecting illegal migrants by carrying out raids.
- However, the minister said that the present training was provided on a continuous basis and Rela members worked more closely with the police to increase their exposure.
- 'Rela does not lead any of the operations, but mostly complements the police and other enforcement agencies. We continue to look at ways to improve Rela,' he said.
- According to the government, Malaysia is a haven for illegal migration with tourists and visitors from South Asia and some of the Southeast Asian neighbours overstaying in search of jobs.
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