Do Not Take National Security Issues Lightly - PM Anwar

KUALA LUMPUR, March 25 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has reminded all parties not to take national security lightly following the escalating global tensions and ongoing conflicts in West Asia.

He said all enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), must remain vigilant to potential spillover effects and not be lulled by domestic stability.

According to Anwar, signs of growing desperation are emerging globally, requiring the police to heighten preparedness and alertness.

“Do not take national security issues lightly.

“The gravest mistake a nation can make is to become too comfortable or develop a culture of contentment, leading to negligence in safeguarding peace, even with an outstanding security force.

“Therefore, I call on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) to convene PDRM leaders and formulate new strategies to ensure national security remains under control,” Anwar said at the 219th Police Day celebration here today, which was also attended by senior police leadership, including the IGP Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail and his deputy Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

Also present were Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Shamsul Anuar Nasarah, Communications Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, and Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar.

The Prime Minister said the government has convened special meetings of the National Security Council (MKN) and the National Economic Action Council (MTEN) to monitor security and economic impacts arising from global tensions.

He noted that while Malaysia remains a developing nation with strong growth potential and is among the most peaceful countries, such stability may draw concern from competitors or adversaries.

“It brings comfort to our people but may unsettle rivals or adversaries, hence we must remain vigilant,” he said.

On another development, Anwar assured that greater attention will be given to the welfare of PDRM personnel, including accelerating the upgrading of dilapidated housing and facilities.

He also expressed appreciation that allocations for police infrastructure and housing are now receiving stronger focus compared with previous years.

“It is now the responsibility of the PDRM and the Home Ministry to ensure that these allocations are managed transparently and with integrity,” he said.

Beyond physical welfare, Anwar also directed the Public Service Department (PSD) to enhance training programmes for police personnel, particularly to strengthen professionalism in addressing increasingly complex security challenges.

-- BERNAMA