Inspector-general of police (IGP) Ismail Omar today hands over the post to his deputy Khalid Abu Bakar in a ceremony at Police Training Centre (Pulapol), Jalan Semarak in Kuala Lumpur.

Ismail, who joined the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) in 1971, was appointed inspector-general of police on Sept 13, 2010.

Upon his mandatory retirement in 2011, Ismail was given an extension via a contract which expires today.

Speaking to reporters after the handing-over ceremony, Ismail thanked Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak for giving him the opportunity to lead the police force.

His nearly three years service as IGP will not be forgotten, especially in fighting Sulu terrorists in Sabah in collaboration with the Armed Forces (ATM).

“I am very satisfied with the achievement of PDRM, especially in terms of  lowering the crime index.

“The most challenging task was the offensive against terrorists in Sabah together with the Armed Forces chief (Gen Zulkifeli Mohd Zin) to restore national security.”

Throughout his career in PDRM, Ismail held a number of posts including prosecuting officer in Ipoh Court in 1994, Seberang Perai Tengah police chief (1996), Bukit Aman Narcotics CID deputy director II (2005), Selangor police chief (2006), deputy inspector-general of police (2007) and inspector-general of police (2010).

At the ceremony, a handover was held betwen Khalid and Bukit Aman CID director Mohd Bakri Mohd Zinin, who was appointed as deputy inspector-general of police.

Khalid and Mohd Bakri will officially take office as the inspector-general of police and deputy inspector-general of police from tomorrow.

- Bernama