Friday, September 9, 2011

Chinese still not keen to be cops

KUALA LUMPUR: There was mixed feelings as the first batch of "gentlemen policemen" passed out from the police training centre (Pulapol) in Jalan Semarak, here, yesterday.

While proud of the 985 new constables, Federal Internal Security and Public Order director Datuk Salleh Md Rashid expressed concern that there was not a single Chinese among them.


He said of the number, 939 were Malays, 32 were Indians and 14 were from other races.

"Despite various efforts by the police force to encourage the Chinese to sign up, the support has not been very encouraging," Salleh said after the passing out parade.


"We appeal to the Chinese community to consider joining the force as a career choice.

"It is important to have Chinese recruits in the force as it will assist the police in communicating with the Chinese community.

"It is not a shortcoming which cannot be overcome, but all the same, it is still better to have various races in the police force."

Earlier in his speech, Salleh congratulated the 985 trainees who had undergone eight months of basic training, and said it was a proud day for them and their families.

"I have every confidence that the vision of Pulapol commandant Senior Assistant Commissioner Zulkifli Mohamed in training 'gentlemen policemen' will be realised through all of you."

The concept of a gentleman policeman is that they must possess qualities which encompass the physical and the spiritual.

Physically, they should be well-groomed and carry themselves well, especially when they are in uniform as it represents the force.

However, Salleh reminded the trainees not to forget the lessons they had learnt and to stay away from negative activities, such as corruption, abuse of power, immoral acts and drug abuse.

"These activities will not only destroy your career in the police force, but will also smear and tarnish the reputation and dignity of the badge that you now proudly wear.

"There is great expectation on the police from the public and you are expected to perform to the best of your ability."

Salleh added that the police were awaiting approval from the Public Service Department to recruit an additional 5,000 policemen.

The overall strength of the force stands at more than 111,000.

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