KUALA LUMPUR: Even on his last day in the police force, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay never wavered on matters of integrity.
Reflecting on a career that spanned more than three decades, Ayob Khan acknowledged that he had often been labelled as a strict and uncompromising officer, particularly in his relentless fight against corruption, abuse of power and organised crime.
"Some people say I am too hard and lack diplomacy. That is their perception," Ayob Khan said in his speech during the handing-over ceremony at the Police Training Centre on Sunday (July 26).
"Some like me, others don't, but I have never allowed criticism to deter me from doing what I believe is right," he said.
Quoting a saying that had guided him throughout his career, Ayob Khan stressed that integrity remained a person's most valuable asset.
"To quote a movie that I liked, if you lose your money, you lose nothing. If you lose your house, you lose something. If you lose your character, you lose everything," he said.
He added that character was what ultimately protected a person and should never be compromised for personal gain.
Ayob Khan described his retirement as more than the end of a career, saying it symbolises the next phase of his life by embracing inevitable transitions.
Speaking during his farewell address, he said relinquishing his post was a reminder that every individual would eventually have to part with their position, wealth and loved ones.
"Today is not merely the day I hand over my duties. It is about letting go of something that has been part of my life for almost 35 years," Ayob Khan said.
"In life, we will eventually have to let go of everything. We may lose our health, our wealth, our homes and, ultimately, we will leave this world," he said.
"Nothing belongs to us forever," he added.
Among the greatest disappointments in his career was the disbandment of the Counter Terrorism Division in 2014.
"It was an effective team that had achieved significant success," Ayob Khan said.
"I even voiced my displeasure over the disbandment," he added.
Despite the setbacks, Ayob Khan said he remained committed to serving wherever he was assigned, eventually leading the Johor police contingent, the Criminal Investigation Department and later rising to become Deputy IGP.
"I never imagined I would reach this position. I did not come from a wealthy or influential family," he said.
"I came from a very ordinary background, where I was taught to work hard, be honest and uphold strong values," Ayob Khan said.
He said he was grateful to have completed his service in good health, noting that many of his colleagues had not been as fortunate, having passed away or retired earlier due to illness.
Ayob Khan also recounted how he had never planned to become a police officer.
After graduating from university in 1990, he had intended to pursue a career in the banking sector and was already working with a finance company before unexpectedly attending a police interview in Alor Setar.
"I never intended to join the police. My focus was banking because it offered better pay and career prospects at the time," he said.
"But after attending the interview, I received an offer a few months later and decided to join the police. Looking back, it was Allah's plan for me," Ayob Khan said.
He said his early years in the Special Branch were challenging, with some questioning whether he was suited for intelligence work.
However, Ayob Khan said every posting and challenge eventually shaped his career and character, teaching him to trust God's plans even when circumstances appeared difficult.
He paid tribute to several former senior officers whom he regarded as mentors, saying they had played an important role in moulding his leadership style and commitment to integrity.
