He urges higher police standards in farewell remarks
KUALA LUMPUR: The police force should place integrity and professionalism above all else, says Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.
On his last day as the Deputy Inspector-General of Police, he did not mince his words, stressing that “integrity is a person’s most valuable asset”.
He also quoted a line from his favourite movie which guided him throughout his career that spanned over three decades - “If you lose your character, you lose everything.”
“Some people say I am too hard and lack diplomacy.
“That is their perception. Some like me, others don’t, but I have never allowed criticism to deter me from doing what I believe is right,” he said in his speech during the handing over ceremony yesterday.
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.
He also said the police force must never compromise on criminal misconduct, regardless of rank.
“Firm action should be taken against any personnel involved in offences such as extortion, kidnapping or other criminal activities.
“The culture of protecting wrongdoers must not exist in the police force,” he said.
He called on the government to review and rectify the rank structure of the police top leadership to better reflect the responsibilities of senior officers.
He said the issue was not a personal appeal made on his last day in office.
“I have spoken about this before, including during an open forum held in Kuantan recently,” 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.
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.
Ayob Khan said having the Deputy IGP and key department directors at the same grade could create challenges in the chain of command when issuing operational directives.
He expressed disappointment over the dissolution of the Counter Terrorism Task Force in February 2014, describing the move as a mistake that affected Malaysia’s security preparedness.
As the former Counter Terrorism Division head, he recalled his involvement in several major operations dating back to 1990s.
Among them was the arrest of Wali Khan Amin Shah, an associate linked to those involved in the 1993 World Trade Centre bombing in New York before the suspect was extradited to the United States.
Ayob Khan also participated in investigations into individuals linked to the Sept 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, including intelligence-sharing efforts with the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency.
He said Malaysia had built valuable expertise in combating international terrorism and stressed the importance of preserving the institutional knowledge.
Touching on politics, Ayob Khan said police officers must remain impartial and enforce the law without fear or favour.
He also described his retirement as more than the end of a career, saying it symbolises the next phase by embracing life’s inevitable transitions.
Earlier, Ayob Khan handed over the mantle to Special Branch director Comm Datuk Seri Ibrahim Darus as acting Deputy IGP, witnessed by Mohd Khalid.
