Instil patriotism to prevent Indians from falling into crime - Thaiveegan

Selangor deputy police chief DCP Datuk A.Thaiveegan, who has served in the force for 29 years, stressed that patriotism was not just about waving flags but must also be demonstrated by respecting the laws of the country.

He felt that someone who loved their country would not engage in any immoral activities but prefer to serve society instead.

"Despite all the facilities available to everyone across the board, we see a lot of young people falling into gangsterism, robbery and burglary just to get quick money. They don't think of the consequences and how it affects their future," he told Bernama recently.

He said it was an irony that foreigners made Malaysia their second home and proceeded to vastly improve their living standards, but the local community did not appreciate what was available to them.

"Bangladeshis, Pakistanis and Indonesians come to Malaysia to make a living. They work as carpet sellers, domestic and construction workers," he said.

"They work very hard to send money back to their families and build large houses in their villages. But our people use 'short-cuts' to gain money," he said, adding that the failure of the local community to work hard was the cause of rampant crime.

"All quarters, including schools, parents and religious institutions must foster love for the country among children in order to create peace and harmony," he said.