Monday January 14, 2013

Superiors, commanders told to record heroics of policemen

By NIGEL EDGAR
nigeledgar@thestar.com.my

KUCHING: Many gallant efforts of policemen went unnoticed by the higher-ups because their immediate superiors failed to write citations for them.

Thus when the time comes for the giving of awards, some of these heroes were forgotten and not given benefits that they deserved.

Former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tun Hanif Omar said the immediate superiors and commanders were responsible for giving written recommendations for the heroes.

“But sometimes, these commanders were too busy moving from one action to another that they failed to write the recommendations.

“The Government needs to look at the citations written by the commanders first before they grant any award,” he told The Star when meeting with Seri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) holder Cpl (Rtd) Intim Bijam and Panglima Gagah Berani (PGB) holder ASP (Rtd) Wilfred Gomez Malong yesterday.

One more SP holder Sgt (Rtd) Ngalinuh Bala @ Killah Ratu was unable to make it to the meeting as he was recovering from stroke in Miri.

Hanif was speaking on the heroes in the police force where many who had put their lives on the line to protect the country had not been recognised.

While a few had been awarded medals, there were some who had been forgotten and had passed away either in the line of duty or of old age, but their gallant efforts were never booked nor recorded.

Hanif said recommendations and citations by commanders and superiors should be part of the Key Performance Index (KPI).

He said officers in the Veterans Department under the Home Ministry must also be pro-active in keeping track of these heroes and veterans, and should be their KPIs.

“Make it a point to be pro-active in looking after these veterans and not just wait because some of them really feel bitter and in their bitterness did not even want to express their hardship to the Government.

“They do expect the Government to know and make enquiries about them. There are not many of them,” Hanif revealed.

He said if the veterans were not well-looked after, others who come after them would seen the Government as not carring.

“If we don’t have such heroes, our nation would never be secure. If we do not treat them well, who would want to place their lives on the line next time?” said Hanif.

News

Monday January 14, 2013

Superiors, commanders told to record heroics of policemen

By NIGEL EDGAR nigeledgar@thestar.com.my

By NIGEL EDGAR
nigeledgar@thestar.com.my