THERE seems to be so much politics surrounding the recent appointment of Datuk Seri Khalid Ismail as Malaysia’s 15th Inspector General of Police (IGP).
This comes about as online debate rages as to why current Deputy IGP Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay who has a big fanbase for his “straight forward, no-nonsense and God-fearing demeanour” was overlooked although he has helmed the current post for two years since June 23, 2023.
To begin with, Khalid who is already at a retired age of 60 has been given a two-year contract effective June 23, 2025 till June 22, 2027 (Ayob Khan is one year Khalid’s junior).
The public discontent which overshadows congratulatory messages for the successor to Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, 62, whose term ends today (June 22) centres on concerns of him being a political tool to the Madani government whose popularity has taken a severe hit ever since the May 23 PKR central leadership polls.
A browse on the Facebook pages of Polis Diraja Malaysia (Royal Malaysia Police) and Friends Of PDRM is enough to capture the ground sentiment of the anger and disappointment of the masses who aspire the police force to have a capable and proven righteous leader.
Further compounding concerns of Khalid being a potential front to the government of the day was a gaffe by Malay news portal Sinar Harian in his profile which mentioned Khalid as “a PKR Central Leadership Council member, Kedah PKR leadership council chairman and UMNO Sungai Petani committee member”.
Although Sinar Harian has apologised for the oversight, this has raised furore among some Pakatan Harapan (PH) backers who deemed the action as “clearly intentional by borrowing” the biodata of Dewan Rakyat speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul.
“I hope the MCMC (Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission) and KDN (Home Ministry) can take firm action against Sinar Harian,” fumed BULETIN RMS (@RajaMohdShahrim).
Macam mana kesilapan ni boleh berlaku..?? Jelas disengajakan.. biodata DS Johari Abdul digunakan untuk Ketua Polis Negara yang baru..
Harap MCMC dan KDN ambil tindakan tegas pada Sinar Harian pic.twitter.com/VvBtM3MPLN— BULETIN RMS (@RajaMohdShahrim) June 20, 2025
Back to the IGP subject, this Facebook post by former TV3 and NTV7 news presenter Norzie Pak Wan Chek who is currently an editorial advisor at MindQuest Productions Sdn Bhd truly struck the chord as to why many Malaysians are disillusioned that Ayob Khan has been overlooked:
Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay was not appointed as our next IGP – and I can’t hide my disappointment.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about the kind of leadership we should value. The kind built on courage, humility and a deep sense of responsibility.
I’ve interviewed him several times over the years, and I always looked forward to it. Before and after each interview, I truly enjoyed our conversations.
He was thoughtful, calm and grounded – never one to chase the spotlight but always clear on his duty. And more than anything, he came across as a man who truly fears God.
That kind of moral compass is rare.
He faced down organised crime, drug syndicates and extremism – not from the sidelines but right in the thick of it. And he did it with quiet dignity. Malaysians saw that. We trusted him. Because he didn’t just wear the uniform – he honoured it.
So yes, this decision stings. Because when someone has already earned the people’s respect, what more should it take?
But maybe that’s the point. Maybe real leadership doesn’t always need a title. Maybe it’s enough to know that someone like Tan Sri Ayob Khan stood for what is right and still does.
And in the hearts of many, that will always count for more. ♥️– June 22, 2025
