KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak has announced an annual allocation of RM3 million over the next three years for the Tabung Amanah Warisan Polis (TAWP).
“After discussing the matter with (Deputy Prime Minister) Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, we have decided on an allocation for the TAWP as a token of gratitude to the police force for their contributions to the nation,” he said at the Police Pensioners Assembly held at the Putra World Trade Centre (PWTC) here on Monday.
The prime minister also announced a special Haj quota for all police pensioners.
“We are in the midst of discussions with our counterparts in Saudi Arabia, so the allocated numbers will be announced soon,” he added.
Najib also said that a portion of the 10,000 houses to be built under the 1Malaysia Civil Servants Housing Project (PPA1M) will be reserved for police pensioners.
In addition to this, he announced that the Police Veteran Welfare Unit will be restructured once more as part of a move to open branches in every state.
“All these, however, cannot compare to the sacrifices that the police force has made for the nation,” he said.
Najib added that all police groups and units which have been “below the radar” will soon be given due recognition for their invaluable services.
“Without the sacrifices of the police force, the nation would not be enjoying the peace and sovereignty it has had thus far,” Najib said to a cheering crowd.
The prime minister also urged the police pensioners to be united and help determine the future of the nation.
“Let the strong spirit of this assembly echo throughout the country for the people to continue their support of the current government.
“We have a lot more to do for this nation. Continue your support for us rather than the ‘other side’ which does not have any ideology, (and is) without any morality in politics.
“The most important thing is to have a good sense of discipline and loyalty to the nation in our fight together. If we find any ‘enemies’ among us, make sure that we are quick to remove them entirely,” he said, in what is believed to be a veiled reference to former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
At the assembly, 13 police pensioners were awarded the Pingat Jasa Pahlawan Negara in recognition of their unwavering support to the nation.
The inaugural assembly, which is the brainchild of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, gathered more than 5,000 police pensioners representing more than 123,000 police pensioners in the country.
Also present at the assembly were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, former IGP Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar, Treasury secretary-general Tan Sri Dr Mohd Irwan Serigar Abdullah, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Masir Kujat, Public Service Department director-general Tan Sri Zainal Rahim Seman and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim.