KUALA LUMPUR: Senior police officer Asst Comm Dr Bakri Zainal Abidin has completed his "tour of duty" at the Asean National Police (Aseanapol) Secretariat.
As the secretariat's sixth director of police services, ACP Bakri expressed his honour in serving alongside his comrades, particularly executive director David Martinez Vinluan.
"During my last few days here, I am filled with mixed emotions after spending two years with the secretariat. We faced many challenges, but they were accompanied by happy moments of overcoming them and achieving success," he said during the handing over ceremony for the post of director of police services on Friday (Jan 10).
Despite leaving the secretariat, ACP Bakri assured that the brotherhood and friendship formed will endure.
"It has truly been an unforgettable journey. I live by the motto, 'Once a friend, always a friend.' I prefer to see it not as goodbye but see you again in the future. May our paths cross again," he added.
ACP Bakri, a 37-year veteran of the police force, described his appointment as director of police services as an exciting experience.
"Successes achieved here would not have been possible without the leadership and guidance of executive director Vinluan. He has been a great role model, whose discipline and dedication to his work complemented his character as a person and a friend," he said.
During the ceremony, ACP Bakri handed over the position to Police Superintendent Huntal Tambuan of the Indonesian National Police, in the presence of Vinluan.
Vinluan praised ACP Bakri for his service and dedication to the secretariat.
"He is a prime example of a great police officer, a true officer and a gentleman. He brought not only his experience but also his commitment to getting the job done. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavours," he said.
Meanwhile, Tambuan expressed gratitude for the opportunity to become the director of police services.
"I aim to build on the foundations laid by my predecessor. I look forward to collaborating with various stakeholders and Aseanapol strategic partners," he said.
Royal Malaysia Police secretary Senior Asst Comm Datuk Kamaruzaman Abdullah, the guest of honour, highlighted the importance of Aseanapol's leadership in facing the challenge of transnational crimes.
"To tackle it effectively requires integrated efforts. Collaborations between governments, private sectors, and civil societies are vital," he said.
He also wished ACP Bakri well and thanked him for his service at the secretariat.
"I hope and pray he will continue to achieve success in the future," he concluded.
