KUALA LUMPUR: Strengthening the integrity of all its personnel remain the police's main goal in 2020, said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador.
Describing integrity as the key, Abdul Hamid said strengthening it would help solve 80 per cent of the problems faced by the police.
“With high integrity, the quality of services will improve, more people will get justice and more can be done in the war against crime.
“The goal cannot be achieved overnight as it may bring negative effects, but I believe with the efforts of all 10 departments in the police force, we will be able to regain respect from society,” he told a press conference at Bukit Aman, here, today.
Abdul Hamid also reminded leaders and politicians to be sensitive and avoid touching on racial and religious issues that would jeopardise the nation’s unity and security.
“They have to understand the multi-racial and multi-religious dynamic in the country, they have to be patient and make diversity as our strength. Learn from the United States.
“There are many ways to solve an issue… in a democratic way, do not try to intentionally hurt the feelings of others, that will escalate tension among the people. Such issues will not benefit any party or individual,” he said.
He remarked that investigating such cases would be a waste of the police and country's resources.
“Police too need to rest, such events always take place on weekends where my men need to do overtime, sacrifice their time with their families.
“The resources could be instead used to combat crimes and our services to the people,” he said.
Abdul Hamid stressed that police were always neutral when handling such cases.
“We have and will continue to take action, the involved parties will be called in for statements, investigations will be opened and will be forwarded to the Attorney-General's Chambers once completed for further action.”