New IGP: I’m so honoured to be given the trust

KUALA LUMPUR: Being the son of a constable, he grew up in the police quarters.

Today, he is the man leading Malaysia’s 130,000-strong police force.

“I am honoured to be given the trust to lead the force,” said Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador, who takes over as Inspector-General of Police effective today.

Known to have pushed for the 1MDB scandal to be probed further, he has been given a two-year contract as the top cop, following the retirement of Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

A handing-over ceremony was held yesterday.

Abdul Hamid’s previous post as Bukit Aman Special Branch Department director was handed over to Comm Datuk Ramli Hassan, who will assume the role in an acting capacity.

A Negri Sembilan boy, the 60-year-old Abdul Hamid earned a diploma in science policing from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia in 2001.

Among his previous posts were Special Branch chiefs in Kelantan and Sabah as well as Bukit Aman Special Branch deputy director before he was transferred to the Prime Minister’s Department in 2015, a move many believed was linked to his insistence on the 1MDB investigations then.

In your hands now: Mohamad Fuzi (right) congratulating Abdul Hamid after the handing-over ceremony in Kuala Lumpur.

Mohamad Fuzi, in his farewell speech, said he has given his all to the police force throughout his 35-year career.

“I faced a lot of challenges but none heavier than the death of my wife just after I was appointed IGP.

“However, my comrades in the police force have helped me through it and for that, I am always grateful.” he said.

To his successor, Mohamad Fuzi said: “He is the right man for the job.”

“I am confident that he will be able to carry on the legacy of excellence and elevate the police force even further,” he added.

Home Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin, who witnessed the ceremony, also paid tribute to Mohamad Fuzi who served as IGP for two years.

“He has proven that he was able to strengthen the police force in various aspects.

“I am sure his contribution and sacrifices for the police force will be remembered and honoured,” he said.

He also saluted Abdul Hamid, saying that the new man at the helm would be able to breathe new life to the police force with his ideas and vision.

“With his experiences and leadership, Abdul Hamid will be able to shoulder the responsibility as the number one police officer in the country.

“I hope that the police force will improve in leaps and bounds under his leadership,” he added.