The government will shorten the training period from six months to three months as part of efforts to encourage
ex-servicemen to join the police force.
Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein told the Dewan Negara today that the government had decided to loosen two eligibility guidelines to encourage more ex-servicemen to join the police force.
He said apart from reducing the training period from six or nine months to three, ex-servicemen who left the army as a sergeant would be given a fast-track promotion from constable to sergeant once they are confirmed in their job and
pass a special test on legal aspects.
“It is also in line with the government’s and Prime Minister Najib Razak’s call for ex-servicemen to contribute their services towards crime prevention, national security and peace of the country, he told Senator Ahamad Yusop in the Dewan Negara today.
Ahamat had wanted to know the rationale for a proposal to absorb ex-servicemen into the police force and the procedures for such an initiative.
Hishammuddin said since the first phase intake was carried out in January, 101 ex-servicemen were recruited as constables and currently undergoing training at the police training centre in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor.
Those selected were below 45, met the criteria and had served in the armed forces for at least 10 years.
To a question by Senator Ahmad Husin with regard to the duration of the training for ex-servicemen, since training procedures and methods between the police and armed forces may differ, Hishammuddin said it was part of efforts by
the Prime Minister to ensure such a prospect can materialize and allow for a cooperation between the armed forces and the police.
“Yes, I agree that there is a difference in culture (training) between the armed forces and police but we have seen during a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister that the Armed Forces and Police can sit together and discuss issues of
national interest successfully,” he said.
Dr Keith Tan Kay Hin
Admin
