Hamid hands over IGP reins

KUALA LUMPUR: Days after hitting the headlines with his claims of political interference in the police force, Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador handed over his duties in a bittersweet ceremony that nonetheless went off without a hitch.

He passed the reins of Inspector-General of Police to Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani yesterday in a ceremony full of decorum.

“I am grateful for the strong support given by all in the police force for the last two years and I hope such support will be extended to my successor, ” he said.

Abdul Hamid said he was confident Acryl Sani would do well and succeed as the country’s top cop.

“He will do good and be most successful.

“I won’t poke my nose here and there... unless someone provokes me, ” he said in jest.

Abdul Hamid also conveyed his best wishes to Acryl Sani.

“I wish him all the best. I am sure he will be able to overcome any challenge.”

Speaking to reporters later, Abdul Hamid said he would leave it to the police force to follow up on his comments about political interference.

Passing the baton: Acryl Sani (right) is the new IGP, taking over from Abdul Hamid (left). He became the country’s 13th IGP after a handing-over ceremony at Bukit Aman yesterday. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star

“I will leave it to the good judgement of Datuk Seri Acryl and his men.

“This matter does not require me to lodge a police report, ” he said in reference to Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan’s request that he lodge a police report on the matter.

Sinar Harian quoted the minister as saying that such a report would pave the way for an investigation into the allegations.

Abdul Hamid said he wanted to focus on his favourite hobby, which is farming.

“I can finally return to farming; trust me, it is peaceful.

“I encourage everyone to learn the basics of farming as it builds stamina and keeps the mind fresh.

“It is very rewarding, ” he added.

Looking back on his career, which spanned four decades, Abdul Hamid said he would always fight for the police force, even after his retirement.

“While I am happy to be spending more quality time with my family, it is still hard to leave the police force.

“The police force is facing a war of perception whereby they are still being punished in the court of public opinion.

“I hope all police personnel and officers will continue to improve their service to the public and serve with sincerity and integrity, ” Abdul Hamid said.

Yesterday’s handing over ceremony went on without the presence of Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.

It is often customary for the Home Minister to attend such an event.

However, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Mohamed Said, who officiated the event on behalf of Hamzah, explained that the minister had to attend a National Security Council (NSC) meeting.

“Apologies that the minister could not attend because he is currently at an NSC meeting with the Prime Minister, ” he said.

Reading the Home Minister’s speech, he said that Abdul Hamid’s service to the nation and the police force was greatly appreciated and would be remembered.