KUALA LUMPUR: The integrity of both oneself and the police force cannot be "bought", said Assistant Superintendent Mohd Norzahirudin Jufri after receiving an award recognising his ethics and character.
He was among the officers honoured by Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain for turning down a bribe during Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan on Dec 9.
"Me and my colleagues do not wish to boast, but this is our responsibility as police officers, and we will not allow our integrity or that of the police force to be bought or sold," said Norzahirudin.
Norzahirudin, 40, was among five officers and members of the General Operations Force (GOF) Southeast Brigade who received recognition from Razarudin for rejecting a bribe of RM50,000 offered by an agent of a migrant smuggling syndicate.
The other four officers and policemen were Inspector Muhamad Hanif Abd Halim, Sergeant Osmizan Osman, Corporal Mohd Shariffuddin Sulaiman, and Corporal Wan Mohd Abbasi Wan Abdllah@Wan Mamat.
Norzahirudin said they were initially offered a cash reward, purportedly as a "gift" to avoid arresting three "tekong darat" and the individual offering the bribe.
As a police officer who annually takes an oath of anti-corruption, he said he was angered when the individual attempted to bribe them, viewing it as tarnishing the image of "Sang Saka Biru "(the police force) and degrading the force's dignity.
"The individual spent approximately 15 minutes persuading me to accept the offer and, without fear, displayed cash in the bag he carried, even stating he was willing to pay more if we agreed to their demands.
"Such actions are clearly against the law, and we will not compromise. I rejected the offer on the grounds of integrity, as well as compassion for the trafficking victims, who were promised jobs but found their circumstances far worse upon arrival, with some even extorted," he told Harian Metro.
The bribe offer occurred during the Op Taring Wawasan Kelantan operation at Jalan Sri Cemerlang and Jalan Besar Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, Kota Bharu, Kelantan, on Dec 9.
He added that as a senior officer, he wanted to set a good example for his subordinates to prevent misconduct from spreading. He also emphasised that integrity serves as a guiding principle in his life, compelling him to reject corruption.
"I am not seeking to glorify myself, but as police officers, we are constantly reminded to carry out our responsibilities with trust and integrity. The reminders and advice from the highest leadership also motivate us to reject corruption.
"Integrity is not exclusive to uniformed personnel; it is crucial for all professions. Corruption is a serious crime that affects not just the individual and their organisation but also their family," he said.
Having served with the force for 16 years, he expressed hope that this incident would serve as a lesson to others, including fellow officers, as well as criminals, to recognise that the dignity of the police is not for sale.
"This incident also demonstrates to the public that not all members of the uniformed force are like that (accepting bribes). My colleagues and I deeply appreciate the recognition given by the Inspector-General of Police."All of this was also possible thanks to the support and encouragement of the top leadership, including Internal Security and Public Order Department acting director Datuk Mohamad Suzrin Mohamad Rodhi and Southeast Brigade commander Datuk Nik Ros Azhan Nik AB Hamid," he said.