KL state to hire ex-thugs and bullies

KL state to hire ex-thugs and bullies

MALAYSIA: A Malaysian state will hire former thugs and bullies to
get residents to pay their taxes and deal with illegal squatters,
a news report said on Friday.

Shahidan Kassim, chief minister of northern Perlis state, said
the government will interview 20 former gangsters and bullies to
join an enforcement unit, The Star daily reported. Nobody still
facing prosecution would be hired, Shahidan said.

Perlis officials were not immediately available for comment on
the report.

The recruits are to be trained to help the state deal with
squatters who build homes illegally on government land and people
who refuse to pay their taxes.

"With a more physical presence in the enforcement unit, (the
unit) may be able to get more rate payers to settle their dues
promptly," Shahidan told The Star.

The Perlis chief minister is well known for his unorthodox
policies. -- AP