'Stop condemning police, start appreciating'

The public, especially political party leaders who have always been hitting out at enforcement agencies especially the police, were today urged to remember the sacrifices and contribution of the national warriors in defending the country.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the peace enjoyed today id not come just like that but due to the sacrifices of these warriors.

"The effort to maintain peace and order in the country continues today by the present security and law enforcement agencies including the police.

"But the police are often criticised and condemned by society and one was even bitten by a 'wakil rakyat' (elected representative).

"If these attacks against the police continue, how can be teach about nationhood to the younger generation?" he said at a Warriors' Remembrance Dinner organised by the Ex-Policemen's Association of Malaysia, here, tonight.

Police patient, resilient

He said some of detractors were individuals with personal or narrow political motives which required the police to be patient and resilient.

Meanwhile, he said with changing time, the new knowledge and new technology that emerged could be a bigger threat than the insurgency problem during the Emergency period.

He said the hidden threat through the cyber world could threaten national security if the integrity of the police force was belittled and the threat not tackled early.

"The challenge today is bigger, more serious and more difficult to handle. It requires a transformation to be in tune with new developments including technology while some Acts may be outdated for application in today's situation."

Hishammuddin ( left ) also urged all former policemen to remain close and support the government in facing the current challenges, whether economic, social or political.

Also present at the function were Information Communication and Culture Minister Rais Yatim and association president Shafie Bakri.

- Bernama