KUALA LUMPUR: Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador described the sweeping generalisation made by Hot Burger Malaysia web portal owner, Mohd Asri Hamid or Asri Janggut, that most police officers did not observe daily prayers, as unfair.
He also said such matters should not have been brought up in public.
"Praying is a personal matter between God and His servants. The police always uphold this in our force, which is part of moral and religious duties," he said.
"I would like to inform the public that PDRM also has hafiz (those who memorise the Quran), with each district police stations around the country equipped with a surau," he told reporters after attending the handing over of duties' ceremony of the director of the Bukit Aman Logistics and Technology Department at the Senior Officers Mess in Bukit Aman, here.
He said facilities to allow police officers to fulfill their religious obligations had always been made available.
"I can't force people to pray, that is their own obligation towards God," he said.
Abdul Hamid also explained that each new candidate for police constable and officer was also required to undergo a test for religious knowledge.
"We have done this for some time to help us evaluate our Muslim candidates.
"It is even stated in Rukun Negara that believe in God is the first tenet," he said.
Yesterday, a video clip that ran for 31 seconds featured Asri Janggut, 42, who claimed that most police officers did not obseverve the daily prayers.