Fuzi takes over as IGP from Khalid, focus will be on combating terrorism
DPM says Police Force Commission recommended his appointment
SPECIAL Branch director Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun was appointed as the new inspectorgeneral of police (IGP) based on a recommendation by the Police Force Commission, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said yesterday.
Fuzi, 58, succeeds Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who retired after 40 years of service.
Zahid, who is also home minister, said the commission had decided to retain Tan Sri Noor Rashid Ibrahim as deputy IGP, but with the position upgraded to Staff III.
The commission also decided to appoint Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department director Datuk Seri Mohd Mokhtar Mohd Shariff as the new director of the Special Branch.
Speaking after the handover of duties of the IGP at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) here yesterday, Zahid said Khalid had an exemplary record as “an extraordinary and loyal policeman”.
He said Khalid’s loyalty never came under question and he had resolved problems professionally.
Relating how he had given an order for the special “Op Cantas” operation soon after being appointed as home minister, Zahid said it was carried out without question by Khalid.
“I instructed that three elite teams be set up, namely the Special Task Force on Organised Crime (STAFOC), Special Task Force for Anti-Vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (STAGG) and Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (STING).
“The force dealt with the issue directly without fear or favour, and with hierarchy not being an issue.”
Zahid said the setting up of the three teams had reduced the crime rate to 47 per cent going by the conventional methodology, or 100 per cent as per the international standard based on every 100,000 population.
He said he had never meddled in operational matters of the police as it was not his job to do so.
“I will act professionally where it involves the question of policy, but when it comes to operations, I will not intervene and give full control to the IGP and deputy IGP.”
Zahid said he placed his hope on the new leadership helmed by Fuzi to raise the performance and excellence of the Royal Malaysia Police to a higher level.