Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim cautions against taking national security lightly amid global tensions, urging police to devise new strategies and remain vigilant.
KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has issued a stern reminder for all parties not to treat national security lightly.
He cited escalating global tensions and ongoing conflicts in West Asia as reasons for heightened vigilance.
Anwar stated that all enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police, must remain alert to potential spillover effects.
He warned against being lulled into complacency by domestic stability.
“Do not take national security issues lightly,” Anwar said at the 219th Police Day celebration.
He described becoming too comfortable as the gravest mistake a nation can make.
This culture of contentment could lead to negligence in safeguarding peace, he added.
Anwar called on the Inspector-General of Police to convene PDRM leaders and formulate new strategies.
The goal is to ensure national security remains firmly under control.
The government has convened special meetings of the National Security Council and the National Economic Action Council.
These meetings are to monitor security and economic impacts from global tensions.
Anwar noted that Malaysia’s stability as a peaceful, developing nation may draw concern from competitors.
“It brings comfort to our people but may unsettle rivals or adversaries, hence we must remain vigilant,” he said.
On personnel welfare, Anwar assured greater attention would be given to upgrading dilapidated housing and facilities.
He expressed appreciation that allocations for police infrastructure are now receiving stronger focus.
Anwar said it is the responsibility of PDRM and the Home Ministry to manage these allocations transparently.
He also directed the Public Service Department to enhance training programmes for police personnel.
This is to strengthen professionalism in addressing increasingly complex security challenges.
