KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 23 — Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail has reminded the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) personnel to maintain discipline and respect for senior officers to preserve the force’s strength and harmony.
He said showing regard for senior officers appeared to be declining, raising concerns that this could weaken the police force and undermine its standing among other government departments and agencies.
“We know that observing the proper chain of command is essential. We must show respect to the seniors,” he said at the IGP’s monthly gathering organised by the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department at Bukit Aman here today.
Mohd Khalid also reminded members of the force to practise the discipline instilled during their training throughout their service, stressing that they should not regard being reprimanded by their officers as a negative experience, but instead take it as a lesson to improve themselves.
“Being corrected is not a wrongdoing in itself, but should serve as a lesson to help personnel recognise that a mistake has been made.
“We should not view being reprimanded as a sign of weakness…we should ensure the criticisms are constructive and help build character, enabling us to fulfill our duties and responsibilities with greater competence, discipline and integrity,” he said.
Mohd Khalid said police personnel should respect one another, accept feedback and different opinions, and recognise that they were not always right, adding that they should also remind one another of their responsibilities and respect senior officers to promote cooperation and solidarity within the force.
Meanwhile, Mohd Khalid said PDRM would celebrate Integrity Day on Nov 11 under the theme “Integriti dan Organisasi Bukan Pilihan Tetapi Kewajipan” (Integrity and Organisation: Not a Choice, but an Obligation).
He said the celebration would also honour 35 police personnel who had turned down bribes in the line of duty, recognising them as role models for their colleagues. — Bernama