KUALA LUMPUR: Outgoing Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has urged the government to review and rectify the rank structure of the police top leadership to better reflect the responsibilities of senior officers.
Speaking at his farewell press conference following the Deputy IGP handover ceremony at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) on Sunday (July 26), Ayob Khan said the issue was not a personal appeal made on his last day in office but one he had consistently raised previously.
"I have spoken about this before, including during an open forum organised by the Government in Kuantan recently. This is not something I am raising simply because today is my last day in service," he said.
Currently, the Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail holds the Turus 2 grade, while the Deputy IGP carries the JUSA A grade. The same JUSA A grade is also held by the Special Branch director and the Internal Security and Public Order Department director.
Ayob Khan proposed that the Deputy IGP's post be upgraded to the Turus 3 grade following the elevation of the Inspector-General's position to Turus 2.
He also suggested that all police department directors remain at the JUSA A grade, while state police chiefs should be upgraded to the JUSA B grade.
According to Ayob Khan, having the Deputy IGP and key department directors at the same grade level can create challenges in the chain of command when issuing operational directives.
"It is appropriate for the Deputy IGP to hold a higher grade than department directors to facilitate the management of duties and command," he said.
Ayob Khan stressed that his proposal was intended to strengthen the force's future leadership rather than benefit himself, as he had already completed his service.
He said that the police force's workload continues to increase in line with the country's growing population and evolving security challenges.
"Every day, the population grows and the responsibilities of police officers and personnel continue to expand. It is therefore only appropriate for the government to review and improve the grading structure for the IGP, Deputy IGP and department directors within the force," he said.
