‘It is a huge responsibility but I’m ready for the job’

KUALA LUMPUR: Newly-appointed Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohamad Fuzi Harun has vowed to focus on battling terrorism.

The former director of the Special Branch described the appointment as a huge responsibility. However, the 58-year-old said he was ready for the job.

“I express my gratitude to the government, particularly the deputy prime minister (Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi), for the appointment and also to former IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who has provided his guidance.”

On terrorism, Fuzi said the issue would continue to be given attention. He pointed out that the government had approved 343 new appointments for the Counter Terrorism Division at Bukit Aman alone.

“These appointments will strengthen the division, and I believe the terrorism problem will be addressed at the domestic and international levels,” he said after the handover of duties’ ceremony here yesterday.

The handover was made following Khalid’s retirement as he turns 60 today.

Fuzi joined the force on Jan 8, 1984, as a cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at Pulapol.

He served as the acting deputy IGP for two months in 2014 before being appointed director of the Special Branch in July 2015.

In his speech, Khalid congratulated Fuzi, saying he was confident that the force would continue to strive under its new commander.

Khalid thanked Zahid for the support and trust given to him during his tenure.

“I am thankful that I was fated to be a policeman as it is a noble profession. It has given me the chance to fight what’s wrong and uphold what is right.

“It is time for me to leave the force. I have given my all and my best.”

On his future plans, Khalid said he looked forward to his retirement.

“I will be going for morning walks and doing some baking.”

It was reported that Khalid had said he would join the Malaysian Institute of Baking in Petaling Jaya to pick up cooking skills.

Khalid, who hails from Seremban, Negri Sembilan, has 40 years of experience with the force. He joined the force at 19 on Dec 5, 1976, with the rank of inspector.

Among the important posts he held were as Negri Sembilan police chief (2005), federal police Criminal Investigation Department deputy director (2006), Selangor police chief (2007), federal police director of Internal Security and Public Order (2010) and Deputy IGP (2011).

Khalid was appointed as IGP on May 17, 2013, succeeding Tan Sri Ismail Omar.