‘COPS COMMITTED TO DUTIES’
Force trying hard to restore public trust, says IGP in Police Day interview
IN conjunction with the 214th anniversary of the Royal Malaysia Police today, the force remains committed to maintaining the country’s public order, harmony, security and peace.
With 12 inspector-generals of police leading over the years, the leadership was previously focused on reducing the crime index and maintaining national security and public order. But in today’s cyber era, the biggest challenge is to restore public trust in the force.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said: “My first mission is to restore public confidence in the police to improve its image. It is a very difficult task but I am confident. That is what I will focus on, to restore the image of the police.”
In fact, the matter was often raised by the media in interviews with Hamid since he helmed the force two years ago.
He also admitted that he was not ashamed to open the door on problems involving police personnel and officers to clean the force of elements of corruption and misconduct.
The police Integrity and Standards Compliance Department director Datuk Zamri Yahya once revealed that there were a handful of senior officers living in luxury by accepting bribes, including allowing drug syndicates to operate.
In addition to corruption and abuse of power, police also faced challenges in the form of crossborder crimes — efforts to bring fugitive businessman Low Taek Jho (Jho Low) to justice in connection with the 1Malaysia Development Bhd case; online fraud linked to the involvement of police officers; and, the latest allegation that there was a cartel out to dominate the force.
Despite all the challenges, the police remain steadfast in carrying out their duties and responsibilities, and the Police Day celebration commemorates the service and sacrifices of 130,000 personnel to the people and the country.
As in previous years (except last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the Movement Control Order), the 214th Police Day today will be celebrated simultaneously nationwide with the theme Polis dan Masyarakat Berpisah Tiada (The police and community are inseparable).
This year’s celebration will definitely be held in a different way from previous years as it will adhere to the new norm and in compliance with the standard operating procedures (SOP).
The guard-of-honour and parade mounted by police personnel and officers, as well as various assets at the Police Training Centre here will be conducted under strict SOP compliance.