To activists, POMAN represented the "Black Box" of Malaysian policing—a set of rules that protesters never saw but were always subject to. The "story" often told by legal scholars is how this 1971 manual remained the primary reference point for public order for nearly 40 years, largely unchanged despite the evolution of international human rights standards. The Transition to modern policing
The most relevant finding was a document titled available on AnyFlip. This strongly indicates that "POMAN" was indeed an internal manual used by a police force in 1966, and a 1971 version would have been a logical update or new edition.
The revised POMAN departed from standard riot-control doctrine. It introduced three distinctive operational modules:
, which mandates the police to maintain public peace and security. Hierarchy of Directives : It works alongside other key frameworks, such as the National Security Council Directive No. 20
A key aspect of POMAN 1971 is the integration of police and military forces. If the PDRM—specifically the or Federal Reserve Unit—cannot manage a riotous situation (POPO - Public Order and Protection of Persons and Property), the manual provides the framework for seeking military assistance. 4. Legal and Procedural Framework public order manual poman 1971
Was POMAN 1971 a necessary tool to prevent anarchy, or a manual for suppressing the right to protest? The answer depends on which side of the shield you stand.
The 1971 manual introduced several tactical concepts that differed from previous standard operating procedures.
Moving away from haphazard responses to calculated maneuvers. The Use of Force:
Using physical obstructions, shields, and vehicles to block access to sensitive areas. To activists, POMAN represented the "Black Box" of
, established within the General Operations Force (PGA) to handle breaches of public peace. Escalation of Force
The manual outlined various techniques and strategies for maintaining public order, including:
To prevent confusion, the manual states that the police retain primary authority over internal security. However, if a crisis escalates beyond police control, the can activate the Appointed Military Commander (AMC) . Once activated, military units do not replace the civil authority; instead, they operate "in aid of civil power." This ensures that military force remains tied to institutional, legal limits rather than martial law. Legacy and Relevancy
Clarifying how the police and the military (ATM) would coordinate during a state of emergency. The "Hidden" Story This strongly indicates that "POMAN" was indeed an
: It provides standard operating procedures for the police and military to manage civil unrest, riots, and the maintenance of public safety within Malaysia.
Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) & Ministry of Defence.
POMAN 1971 was eventually replaced by new guidelines and manuals, including the "Public Order Operational Manual" (2006) and the "Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984" (PACE). These newer documents reflect a more modern approach to public order policing, with an emphasis on proportionality, minimal force, and the protection of human rights.
The core of the manual would detail standard operating procedures for a wide range of situations. The 1966 manual's table of contents provides insight into this structure, with references to:
The manual is not a static document; it evolved significantly through the 1980s (following the 1984–85 miners' strike) and remains a "comprehensive guide" for managing local, regional, and national deployments. Modern versions, such as the Manual of Guidance on Keeping the Peace , are now more transparent and serve as a reference for all levels of public safety planning.