KUALA LUMPUR: The police's top leadership must adopt an uncompromising approach to addressing misconduct within the force to protect the nation and its people, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
He said the police remain the primary pillar of national defence, given their large numbers and influence extending to all levels of society.
He said the role of the force also ensures the nation's strong economic growth and attracts investments.
"We cannot forget their invaluable contributions as they carry out tasks that benefit the nation, working alongside the Fire and Rescue Department, the Armed Forces and other enforcement agencies.
"Their role ensures economic growth, attracts investment, and allows people to live peacefully, which requires a stable and well-managed nation.
"(Hence,) we must avoid wastefulness, arrogance, and the misuse of power.
"This is why I urge the police leadership, not just the IPCC, to take a firm stance as the nation demands change and improvement," he said in his keynote address at the launch of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) and Police, Friends and Collaborators (IPFC) today.
Anwar said the nation has various strengths and capabilities, which should not be weighed down by petty politics and divisive racial issues.
"The country demands meaningful change, and I believe that we have the capabilities to achieve it.
"We must move beyond petty politics and divisive racial or religious conflicts that bring no benefit.
"Our focus should be on saving the nation, promoting peace, accelerating economic growth and improving the quality of education and healthcare for the people.
"The advancement of our semiconductor industry and the Artificial Intelligence (AI) sector must become our priority," he said.
Touching on the IPCC's establishment, the prime minister said he previously viewed the commission's establishment differently, believing that such a body should not solely focus on the police.
He said the government initially did not see the need for an agency to oversee misconduct or discipline, as each government department already had regulations in place.
"However, we also recognise that within large organisations, misconduct can occur, even if only among a small group.
"This group represents a segment of society that feels they deserve protection.
"Our responsibility now is to uphold this, and if we want the country to progress and rise, we must focus on governance issues, integrity and combating corruption and abuse of power."
In July 2022, the Dewan Rakyat approved the IPCC Act, which aims to enhance police integrity, reduce misconduct among police officers, and boost public confidence in the police force.
The drafting of the IPCC Act involved engagement with 1,059 people, as well as briefing sessions with top police leadership, the police veterans' association, representatives from the Home Ministry and members of parliament.
IPCC focuses on investigations, while disciplinary actions and punishments remain under the jurisdiction of the Police Force Commission (SPP), in accordance with Article 140 of the Federal Constitution.
Also present were Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar and Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.