KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 6 — The country’s top policeman today pled with politicians to abstain from racialising issues that disrupt public order in multiethnic Malaysia.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador said the nation’s law enforcers have a duty to keep the peace but added that precious time and resources that should be utilised to address crime have instead been increasingly diverted into investigating “petty” issues.
“I am pleading here. I especially direct this to leaders and politicians so that they be more understanding of the dynamics of this country, with its diverse races, multi-faith.
“We must understand this and use our differences to generate strength,” he told a news conference at the federal police headquarters in Bukit Aman.
He held up the US as an example for Malaysia.
He said Malaysian police, as the ultimate enforcement agency, aim to keep the nation safe, peaceful and harmonious and promised he will not tolerate anyone who threatens public order by provoking sentiments of race, religion, and state.
“Any type of threats, activities which violate laws, especially that linked to slander and provocation using issues of racism, religion and state, will be managed,” Abdul Hamid said in his speech.
Abdul Hamid also advised politicians to use their wisdom and have more patience when dealing with issues.
“There are no problems which cannot be solved using good measures, with courtesy and by fulfilling the democratic principles. But don’t do things with the intention to hurt the feelings of others, and then act as if challenging the other party. The temperature is sure to increase,” he said, adding that the police however will always be neutral.
Abdul Hamid said that the police are also burdened with having to deal with the follies of political leaders, saying that some activities are usually held on weekends, thus depriving his subordinates of proper rest.
“I seek their understanding to realise that the responsibilities on the police is very heavy. The hope is to have the police improve its delivery of service to the masses,” he added.
Abdul Hamid said that he would continue focusing on improving the integrity of his force, adding that members of the force had worked tirelessly last year on this.
