Hamid Bador takes over as IGP

KUALA LUMPUR: Abdul Hamid Bador officially took over today as inspector-general of police in a handing-over ceremony officiated by Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Hamid will serve as the nation’s top cop on a two-year contract until May 3, 2021, succeeding Mohamad Fuzi Harun who retires today.

Hamid went into early retirement in 2015 but was recalled by leaders of the Pakatan Harapan government in May last year and appointed as Special Branch director.

Hamid, the former deputy head of the Special Branch, was known to have spoken up against the previous government’s alleged involvement in certain scandals.

He took over as acting deputy IGP last month after Noor Rashid Ibrahim retired.

In his speech, Muhyiddin thanked Fuzi for his over 35 years of service, including his two-year tenure as IGP.

“I believe his service and sacrifice for the police and the country will be remembered and lauded,” he said, voicing confidence that Hamid would be able to fill the position of the country’s 12th top cop.

“I also hope that Hamid will be able to maintain the excellent legacy of the previous leadership, as well as bring a breath of fresh air so that the police will remain a respected agency,” he said.

In a press conference after the ceremony, Muhyiddin said the candidates for director-general, head of Special Branch and other leadership roles are awaiting the Agong’s approval.

He added that there have been no difficulties in the appointment process of new leadership roles in the police force.

On the anti-Rome Statute rally organised by Gerakan Ummah tomorrow, Muhyiddin said it would not be a problem as long as the organisers ensure peace throughout and abide by the Peaceful Assembly Act.

However, he questioned the purpose of the gathering, saying the notion that Islam is under threat with the current government is “baffling”.

“Who here feels that Islam is being threatened, raise your hands,” he joked.

He also said Islam had always been the religion of the federation, protected by the constitution.

“If they truly want to fight for Islam, when the Tabung Haji issue with the high debts came up, where were they? What did they do?” he asked. - FMT