KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry is looking to forge closer ties with retired policemen, says Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
The Home Minister said the ministry hoped to capitalise on the valuable experiences of retired policemen especially from the Retired Senior Police Officers Association of Malaysia (Respa) in tackling current security issues.
"A natural cooperation can be formed between the ministry and retired police as we can make good use of their vast experiences.
"Their views can be sought such as for crafting of the Bill to ensure the welfare of retired and former police as well as the formation of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC)," he told a press conference after attending the closing ceremony of the Respa annual general meeting on Tuesday (June 25).
For other issues such as the wrongdoings of some policemen, Saifuddin Nasution said Respa has stated the police force must not have any denial syndrome.
"Instead, the police force should face the matter head-on and not sweep it under the rug.
"Aspects such as training modules at the police college must be scrutinised as well," he said.
The ministry will also support programmes by Respa, especially to ensure the welfare of its members, he said.
"Events such as visits and aid to those in need benefit Respa members.
"We will allocate RM60,000 this year for such an honourable endeavour," he said.
Meanwhile, Respa president Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin said the association currently has about 2,300 members nationwide.
"Our main focus is to assist our members.
"We also aim to provide valuable input to the government and current police leadership for the benefit of the country," he said.
The rights of retired policemen should not be forsaken given their sacrifices for the county, he said.
"We hope more benefits and aid could be channelled towards retired police personnel," he said.
