KUALA LUMPUR: The police must strengthen the ability of its officers in mastering the nation's laws, and gain more global and up-to-date exposure and partnerships, said Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
He said to achieve this, the police must increase their participation in training, courses or conferences organised both locally and internationally.
"Collaboration and strategic cooperation on an international level by our country's police force can put them at par with security forces in other countries such as Scotland Yard, the Royal Military Police United Kingdom, and the Hong Kong Police Force.
"To build a strong law enforcement team, the application of the values of discipline and integrity must be emphasised," he said in his speech during the 214th Police Day celebration at the Police Training Centre here, today.
Muhyiddin said the police must also have a sense of belonging to their team and a high sense of responsibility to their duties.
"InsyaAllah, with pure intentions and teamwork, I am confident and believe in the capabilities of the police in protecting the country's peace and sovereignty, and to defend the good name of the police among all Malaysians."
The police, he added, had successfully adapted through a series of transformations and improvements to ensure the institution remained relevant over time.
He also said the government realised that the police force faced more complex challenges with the advancement of technology and a borderless world.
"Even so, armed with a high level of self-identity, professionalism, and competence among the police, I am confident that the force will be able to stop and eradicate increasingly complex criminal activities.
"In this context, I also believe that there is still room for more empowerment for the police to increase their level of professionalism and readiness in shouldering their entrusted responsibilities."