KUALA LUMPUR: Despite being offered a huge sum of cash, a police officer was not willing to sell his self-worth and integrity and instead stayed loyal to the police force.
Being true to the spirit of "Sang Saka Biru" (nickname for the police force), Insp Mohd Tarmizi Said, 40, said he performed his duty and detained the suspect from diesel smuggling syndicate even after being offered RM50,000.
"As a police officer in the field, we will encounter temptations including bribes but in the end our convictions must be strong.
"Rejecting the bribe is not something to be overly praised about as it is part of my responsibility as a police officer," he said when met at a ceremony for police officers and personnel who went above and beyond for the public, on Tuesday (Jan 14).
Insp Tarmizi, who is from the Selangor Internal Security and Public Order Department, said rejecting the bribe indirectly preserved the good name and image of the police force.
He was among 200 officers and personnel members who received commendation letters from Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
Another recipient L/Kpl Christopher Lawai Johnny, 30, said he suffered a broken arm while conducting patrols during the Mahkota by-election in Johor last year.
"I am attached to the Seri Alam district police headquarters in Johor but I was sent to Kluang to assist police operations during the by-election.
"I was conducting patrols with the motorcycle patrol unit (URB) when I was by another car.
"My right arm was broken and I also suffered nerve damage," he said.
He said he was grateful to be among those who received the commendation letters.
"I will continue to give my best for the police force when I recover fully," he said.
Meanwhile, Razarudin said there are police officers and perks nel who went above expectations, honourable in their work and serve the public diligently.
"In fact, there are those who even risked their lives for the benefit of the people.
"I believe such acts should be honoured and celebrated.
"Such work spirit has existed in the police force for a long time, and it is only right it is highlighted," he said.
