A shake-up in the top ranks of the police force is expected to take place next month, which will result in the removal of high-ranking officers, including inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

Sources told Singapore’s Straits Times that this is part of the Pakatan Harapan government’s effort to “cleanse” the force.

“Yes, there is going to be an 8.5 Richter shake-up (in the police force) soon in July,” said the source.

The first to be replaced will be “No 1,” the source added, which refers to the IGP. However, no reason was provided for Fuzi being replaced.

Fuzi was appointed nine months ago by former prime minister Najib Abdul Razak, after his predecessor Khalid Abu Bakar retired from the force.

Three departments to go

The Straits Times report also noted that three police departments which are believed to be rife with corruption would be abolished, and their heads sacked.

These are the Special Taskforce for Anti-vice, Gaming and Gangsterism (Stagg), Special Taskforce on Organised Crime (Stafoc), and Special Tactical Intelligence Narcotics Group (Sting).

A source told the daily that one of the biggest problems with the three departments was their alleged protection of the very criminals they are supposed to pursue.

“That’s one of the main reasons why there are plans to abolish Stagg, Stafoc and Sting.

“Too many of those who were entrusted to fight the underworld are also the ones who protect them,” another source claimed.

Noor Rashid for IGP?

Three names of potential candidates for the post of IGP have already been submitted to the government by the Special Branch, the intelligence arm of the police force, the Straits Times reported.

Deputy police chief Noor Rashid Ibrahim (photo) was one of the names put forward, along with Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani, the head of the Strategic Resources and Technology Department.

Noor Rashid, who has been in the police force for 31 years, formerly headed the national Narcotics Criminal Investigation Division and has also served as the Sabah police commissioner.

Acryl Sani previously headed the Commercial Crime Investigation Department and served as the police chief of Sarawak and later Perak.

The third candidate could not be confirmed.

The Straits Times report noted that several high-ranking officers were not suggested for the top post due to them “not being clean,” while others were rejected because they were perceived to be aligned to Najib.

“Some of them have excessive wealth... It doesn’t make sense how some of them can have so many luxury cars, on top of living in a bungalow.

“Some also misused their power. One of them had abused his power when he headed a department by using the service of outriders. He was not entitled (at the time),” a source said.

Malaysiakini cannot independently verify the claims made in the report.

Since the formation of the Harapan government, a number of government agencies have also seen shake-ups as the new administration seeks to implement institutional reforms.