KUALA LUMPUR: The media plays an important role in the preservation of national harmony and security with their ability to win the hearts and minds of the public, says Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The Inspector-General of Police said the close partnership between the police and the media is based on shared civic responsibility, in which accurate information is shared with the public so justice is preserved at all times.
“Media platforms have a unique power in crossing physical barriers to influence thoughts and win hearts and minds to ensure the safety and prosperity of this country.
“The mass media is among the pillars and hopes of the police, not merely acting as providers of news and information but also serving as a source where truth and justice are revealed to the public,” he said in his speech during the IGP Appreciation Ceremony with the media in Bukit Aman yesterday.
The nation’s top cop also paid tribute to crime journalists during the ceremony.
Based on professional ethics and oaths taken, the duties of police personnel and media practitioners are anchored in the interests of national security and sovereignty, racial harmony and inclusive national unity, the IGP said.
“As strategic partners, the media play an important role as the ‘Fourth Estate’.
“Media practitioners are also observers who monitor our service delivery and ensure improvements in the management of the police force are always being conducted with integrity,” he said.
Razarudin also expressed his deepest appreciation for the constant support from the media in disseminating information accurately and with integrity.
He presented certificates of appreciation to 30 crime journalists during the ceremony, including The Star’s Farik Zolkepli and Justin Zack.
Among the top police officers who also attended the ceremony were Deputy IGP Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay and Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Comm Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain.
