PETALING JAYA: A former top cop has urged the government to screen participants of a proposed national security programme which will recruit thousands of people to act as the home ministry’s “eyes and ears” on the ground.

Musa Hassan, who was inspector general of police between 2006 and 2010, said the programme called “Kita Demi Negara” may have its benefits, though it must be implemented properly.

Last week, home minister Hamzah Zainudin said over 2,000 people had signed up for the programme to help with security-related issues on the ground. The ministry aims to recruit 20,000 participants within six months.

Participants can take part in activities under the ministry’s security agencies and act as its “eyes and ears” on the ground. The participants will also help disseminate accurate information to the public.

Musa said: “It’s important to be cautious about the people providing the information, we need to know their background and if they are sincere in helping the ministry.”

He said those involved in criminal activities could use this as an avenue to provide false information to the government, while those with ill intentions could use it to frame others.

“More details on the programme and a greater emphasis on its implementation is definitely needed,” he said.

Lawyer Foong Cheng Leong said false or incorrect reports would not only waste government resources but also negatively affect innocent citizens.

“Obviously, there will be repercussions for submitting false or misleading information, but the effects on the victim of such abuse may be greater.”

He said the ministry must establish a detailed code of conduct for members to abide by.

Criminologist P Sundramoorthy said the programme could help support security agencies but the government must ensure that personal privacy is protected.

The Universiti Sains Malaysia academic said this was why the government must provide more operational details on the programme, including the exact role of participants.

- Source from FMT