KUALA LUMPUR: The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) should continue the strategic shift to pursue its efforts to transform the enforcement agency into a more people-oriented police force, says Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye (pic).
The Alliance For a Safe Community chairman said 2023 has been a very challenging year on all fronts for the police, especially in regard to commercial and cyber crimes.
"However, the police have done well in most states in solving crimes, largely due to the commitment of officers on the ground, who responded to public reports.
"I also have to give credit to Bukit Aman's new leadership with IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain at the helm, Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay as the deputy IGP and directors such as Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain, who are energetic and brimming with innovative ideas.
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"I hope this will lead to a more dynamic police force in the days to come," he said when contacted on Sunday (Dec 24).
Lee said becoming a more people-oriented police force is vital in the efforts to transform the police force.
"In this context, every police officer and personnel must be prepared to embrace change as change is the only constant in life.
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"The PDRM must be prepared to also seek changes to further improve the force and bring about a safer Malaysia for all," he said.
Every police officer on the ground must be mindful to give their best and walk the extra mile to ensure they are able to perform their task responsibly and with integrity, Lee added.
"They should always keep abreast of the latest developments. Future police officers should possess a wide range of capabilities acquired through more knowledge and good networking at community level.
"In short, the police have to be constantly dynamic and innovative to stay steps ahead of criminal elements in society.
"They should be proactive rather than reactive in confronting crimes. Policing goes beyond fighting crime, it should also mean curbing and preventing it as well," he said.
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Lee also called on the police's school adoption programme, which was implemented in 2011 in Kuala Lumpur, to be reintroduced nationwide.
"Such programmes could foster closer relations between the police and the students.
"The police will be able to reach the students so that they grow up to become law-abiding citizens. With their exposure to police work, the students might even consider a career in the police as a prospective job when they come of age," he added.
The school adoption programme should also include schools with bad elements so that the police could steer the students in the right direction.
"I really hope the programme will be reintroduced as it will greatly benefit the police and students," he said.
