Emotions got the better of incoming inspector-general of police Musa Hassan at a ceremony to hand over duties.

According to Bernama , he was overcome with feelings when speaking to express his thanks to retiring IGP Mohd Bakri Omar.

Musa, who assumes the top cop job next Tuesday, stopped for a moment midway through his speech. At the end, he hugged Mohd Bakri.

When reporters asked about the affectionate display later, he replied: "Well, he is my boss."

Musa also said that he had learned a lot from Mohd Bakri whom, he added, had taught him a lot about being a good policeman.

Hard working policeman

He said Mohd Bakri was a hard working policeman who had brought much improvement to the image and performance of the police.

Mohd Bakri wanted to bring many changes to the police department so that the police would continue to be respected by the public, he said.

He added that the former IGP wanted to improve the quality of service by giving opportunities for low-ranking policemen to pursue tertiary education.

Meanwhile, Mohd Bakri said he was thankful for the all the good things, including his health.

He joined the force on Jan 1, 1971, and was appointed the IGP three years ago.

Musa, a United Kingdom law graduate, joined the police force on Nov 11, 1969.

Since then, he has held numerous posts and attended several courses on leadership and management as well as those concerning intelligence gathering and anti-narcotics laws.