PAYING LAST RESPECTS: Ismail speaking to reporters after attending the burial service.
KOTA SAMARAHAN: The Police Veterans Department Act, once approved by Parliament, will enable the force to enhance efforts in a more systematic manner in organising activities to recognise the veterans’ contributions.
This would include outreach programmes to look after the welfare of ex-police personnel, said Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar.
“The draft (of the Act) has been completed and it will be presented to the authority at the right time. The most important thing is that proper actions will be taken and that we would be able to move a step forward in this matter.
“The establishment of the Police Veterans Department would ensure that all veterans are recognised, remembered and given the utmost regards in society,” he told reporters after attending the burial service of the late ASP (Rtd) Wilfred Gomez Malong at Kpg Entinggan here.
Also present at the service were Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusop, deputy State Secretary Datu Ose Murang, State Police Commissioner Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Federal Police Management director Datuk Mortadza Nazarene.
Touching on a proposal suggested by the late Gomez for the government to establish a special health benefit and medical fund to aid police veterans, the IGP was in full agreement for the proposal.
“It is definitely a good proposal but we need all the relevant parties to sit down and seriously discuss it to make it a reality.”
When asked on the preparation for the 13th general election in the state, Ismail said the police were ready to be deployed. He said all officers had been given the proper exposure and training, briefing on election conduct and relevant laws and regulations.
He also hoped that the media would continue to highlight the plight of police veterans so that their sacrifice and contributions to the peace and safety of the country were recognised and appreciated by the people.
The state has three recipients of Sri Pahlawan Gagah Perkasa (SP) namely Cpl (Rtd) Etim Bijam, Sgt (Rtd) Ngalinuh Bala and Insp (Rtd) Reggie Deli. Both Etim and Ngalinuh, currently residing in Miri, are not in good health whereas Reggie from Betong died last year.
The state also has 21 Pingat Gagah Berani (PGB) recipients with the late Gomez as one of two from the police force. The other is SI Mohamad Salim from Kuching Police Traffic Department. Fifteen PGB recipients are still alive.
There are eight surviving SP recipients from the police force in the country. Of the eight, DSP Razak Mohd Yusof from Perak is still on active duty. Three of them are Constable (Rtd) Fong Thean Kit from Penang, Supt (Rtd) Datuk Paul Kiong and DSP (Rtd) Sia Boon Chee, both from Selangor.