Acryl Sani: I was offered post-retirement job by PM

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani (pic), who served his last day as Inspector-General of Police yesterday, said he was touched to have been offered a post-retirement job by the Prime Minister.

At Acryl Sani’s handover of duties ceremony, Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail revealed that Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim had wanted to offer the retiring IGP a post overseas.

“I believe he (Acryl Sani) is thinking more of his family and mosque group. I told him I have known the Prime Minister for close to 30 years and he would not make such an offer easily.

“However, I leave it to him (Acryl Sani) to sort it out,” Saifuddin Nasution said in his speech yesterday.

At the event, the minister witnessed Acryl Sani handing over his duties as the nation’s top cop to his deputy, Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here.

Insisting there was nothing unusual in the change of leadership in the police force, Acryl Sani said the Prime Minister had offered him a post-retirement plan when he expressed his desire to leave the job before his contract was up.

Acryl Sani, who was supposed to complete his two-year extension of service as IGP only in October, opted to end his tenure earlier.

“I was surprised by the kindness shown by the Prime Minister to my family and me.

“Trust that there is nothing unusual in the changing of leadership within the police force. Coincidentally, a situation had led me to end my tenure (as IGP) earlier as I needed to meet certain obligations,” he said in his speech.

He said he was departing with an open heart as he believes those still serving would be able to elevate the police force to greater heights.

“Always remember our slogan ‘Sedia Berkhidmat’ (Ready to Serve), and that the police and society are inseparable,” he said.

Acryl Sani described his last day as IGP as bittersweet.

“I am sad because I could not meet as many comrades as I could before I retired.

“Trust that everyone will always remain in my heart. As the saying goes, we will not be here forever, but our work will never end,” he said.

Acryl Sani recounted joining the force on Feb 2, 1986, adding that he would be leaving it a better place.

“I am deeply indebted to the police force for enabling me to build a career and a family.

“I have only love and loyalty to the force. May 4, 2021, is a day I will never forget as I became the IGP. It was so unexpected,” he said.

Saifuddin Nasution commended Acryl Sani on his leadership in prioritising the welfare and well-being of police personnel and officers.

“He has contributed greatly to the growth of the police force and I salute him,” he added.

During the ceremony, Razarudin also handed over the duties of the Deputy IGP to Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.