Ida Lim, The Malaysian Insider

The prime minister today called on the police to answer the challenge to be more accountable to the public, even as controversies continue over the recent crackdown on protesters at the recent Bersih rally and the rising crime rate.

“We need a positive attitude and answer this challenge,” Datuk Seri Najib Razak said in a speech at a break fast event with the police this evening.

He said that Malaysia was a “society in transition”, where its citizens were now demanding more accountability from the police as well as the federal government.

He also said Malaysians were “more aware” of human rights and legal issues.

The leader of the ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition also said there was the challenge of a  society that “places such high hopes on the police to ensure peace and safety”.

He said the public hoped for “a safe and conducive environment every moment of their lives”.

However he said the federal government and the public have to share the responsibility.

“Don’t be disappointed if there are polemics about numbers and perception. It’s not new for us, but we can show our capabilities are increasing,” he told the police, pledging his administration’s support for the force.

The police have recently been under pressure, with the BN government insisting that statistics show a drop in the nation’s crime rate despite more reports of violent crimes.

The police are also being investigated by two separate panels over reports of unlawful violence during the recent Bersih rally.