KUALA LUMPUR: Former policeman Deputy Supt Kenneth James Woodworth (pic) should be given posthumous recognition, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.

       The social activist said Malaysia mourns the passing of a true patriot and great man.

       "He was the hero who was instrumental in stopping notorious and elusive criminal Botak Chin.

       "He was handpicked to form the ‘Magnificient 12’, the special team to hunt down Botak Chin," he said in a statement on Thursday (May 26).

       The police force has lost a comrade, a hero and a true Malaysian, Lee added.

       "Although his family members are no longer in Malaysia, Woodworth was quoted as saying: ‘Right or wrong, Malaysia is my country’.

       “For all his dedication and his service to the nation, the question that arises now is this: Was he adequately recognised while he was still in service?

       "He retired as a DSP. Could he not have been promoted at least to Supt.

       "Was he rewarded with any title or given any decoration? If not, why not?" Lee said.

       He said that a hero such as Woodworth should have been given the highest decorations.

       "After all, he provided the kind of service that was appreciated by all right-thinking members of society.

       The least that can be done now is to give him some posthumous recognition," Lee urged.