KOTA SAMARAHAN: Newly appointed district police chiefs must be capable of leading beyond day-to-day operations by building strong community ties and managing every aspect of their districts effectively.
Sarawak Police Commissioner, Datuk Mohamad Zainal Abdullah, said this after witnessing the change-of-command ceremony for the Kota Samarahan and Padawan district police chiefs today.
Superintendent Mohd Irwan Hafiz Md Radzi officially assumed duties as the new Kota Samarahan police chief, while Superintendent Barry William took over as the new Padawan police chief.
Barry, who had been serving as acting Kota Samarahan police chief with the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), was promoted to Superintendent before assuming his new appointment.
Irwan, meanwhile, previously served as the Padawan police chief.
Zainal stated that effective leadership extends beyond managing personnel and requires officers to be resourceful, creative and capable of working closely with the community.
“A good leader isn’t someone who only gives instructions.
“A leader must be creative, resourceful and able to build good relationships – not only within the police force but also with the community, government agencies and other organisations in the district.
“District police chiefs must also be competent in managing logistics, infrastructure, assets and other administrative responsibilities while making the best use of available resources,” he said in his speech at Kota Samarahan district police headquarters (IPD) today.
Zainal said Kota Samarahan and Padawan remain among Sarawak’s strategic policing districts as both are located within the Greater Kuching area and contribute significantly to the state’s crime statistics alongside Kuching, Miri and Sibu.
Expressing confidence in the latest leadership changes, he said both newly appointed district police chiefs have consistently demonstrated strong leadership in their previous position.
“I have full confidence in their capabilities to lead their respective districts effectively,” he said.
