PUTRAJAYA: There must be a balance between individual freedom and
public interests for Malaysia to be regarded as a mature democratic
nation, with respect for people's fundamental rights and the police in
carrying out their duties, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.
"This is very challenging as it is not easy. If we choose the easy way, we will not be carrying out transformation.
"But
if we don't do transformation while the people demand it, there will be
conflict between the people and government, which is not healthy," he
said at a gathering of about 300 retired senior police officers.
Present were former inspectors-general of police Tun Hanif Omar, Tan Sri Abdul Rahim Noor and Tan Sri Norian Mai.
Najib
said when a government could bring about transformation in line with
the people's needs and demands, then they would appreciate the
government more, and also the police.
He said that was why the
government had stressed on the need to have a people-friendly police
force, with their presence not to cause fear or worry to the public but
to be seen as ensuring peace and security.
The prime minister
said the people today demanded a bigger latitude; their fundamental
rights be given consideration so that they could enjoy full freedom, and
that was why the government had amended certain laws.
"When we
abolished the ISA (Internal Security Act), it does not mean that we have
no more power. We still have the power to fight crime and elements
which threaten the country's peace.
"The rakyat (people) want us
to raise our professionalism further so that their fundamental rights
are respected but not to the extent of the police losing power to carry
out their duties and responsibilities.
"I believe this is the balance needed between individual freedom and public interests."
Najib
said permanent and meaningful change and transformation could only take
place if they were based on the people's wants as a whole.
He
said this was because historical factors and various incidents happening
outside the country currently showed that a sudden change through
street demonstrations or a coup would not bring the benefits expected.
According
to Najib, development could only come from a government which could
effect change and transformation, while history had proven that
transformation that occurred from the top to down based on the people's
wants would be a permanent and meaningful one.
"Some countries
in the Middle East and Africa are classic examples of how these
countries today are experiencing uncertainties as a result of a sudden
change.
"Contrastingly, our country is peaceful as we are able to do systematic and organised transformation," he said.
Meanwhile,
Najib said he would be visiting Lahad Datu, Sabah, on April 13 to see
for himself the conditions of the newly and speedily built police
stations.
He noted that there were one or two former senior
police officers who no longer supported the government, but the loyalty
(to the government) of far many more could not be questioned by anyone.
Also present at the function were Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar and his deputy Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar. - Bernama
(Source: The Star Online)
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