KUALA LUMPUR: Former Inspector-General of Police, the late Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar, who led the Royal Malaysia Police for two decades from June 1974, played a pivotal role in establishing Malaysia’s premier anti-terrorism unit, the Special Action Unit (UTK).
Former UTK commander Datuk Meor Chek Hussien Mahayuddin praised Hanif’s foresight in creating the unit in 1975.
At the time, there was growing concern about international terrorism, particularly from the Middle East, which Hanif correctly anticipated could impact Malaysia.
"He proposed the establishment of the UTK to counter potential terrorist threats. His foresight was validated when Malaysia faced the AIA building hostage crisis in 1975...” Meor Chek Hussien said at the "A Tribute to Tun Hanif Omar" event held at the Royal Malaysia Police College in Cheras on Thursday (Sept 12).
He said Tun Hanif, who died on April 20 this year, aged 85, was not only visionary but also exceptionally diligent, always planning ahead for the future of the unit.
Recalling the meticulous nature of the former IGP during the Pudu Prison crisis, he vividly remembers how Hanif, during the crisis briefing, was obsessively thorough about every detail.
He wanted to know everything, from the distance between doors and fences to how slippery the floor was, ensuring every possible obstacle was addressed.
Meor Chek Hussien noted that Hanif's dedication to precision stemmed from his refusal to accept any failure.
"Once, when I altered one of his plans, it failed and the next day, Tun Hanif questioned my decision.
"He said: ‘Don’t think for yourself when I’m not around. You need to anticipate these things while I’m here so we can decide together'.”
On the establishment of the UTK, Meor said Hanif was extremely committed to the welfare of the unit's officers.
"He was deeply invested in the well-being of the UTK members. He ensured they had the best training and equipment.
"Initially, UTK members received training from the Special Air Service (SAS) in the UK and were later sent to train with elite forces in the US, France and Germany.
"After they returned from their training abroad, we would adapt and revise what they learned to better fit local situations,” he said.
The tribute was attended by Hanif's wife Toh Puan Hamidah Abdul Hamid and family members.
About 100 senior officers, personnel of other ranks and retired police top brass were present, including three former IGPs, namely Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun and Tan Sri Ismail Omar. – Bernama
