SHAH ALAM - With news that Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani is said to be stepping down on the first week of July, the post of the top cop is the talk of the town.
There are growing rumors suggesting that Federal Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Commissioner Datuk Seri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, could potentially become the next IGP.
Legal experts have voiced their support for Ayob, affirming that he possesses the qualities necessary to lead the police force to its highest level of performance.
According to lawyer Kokila Vaani Vadiveloo, Ayob played a crucial role in dismantling the notorious 'Nicky Gang,' known for its involvement in various organised crimes such as fraud syndicates and money laundering.
He also exposed the connections between the gang and corrupt police officers.
"He also detained five top officers from a Pahang enforcement agency last year under Section 3(1) of the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985, demonstrating his tough stance against drug barons," said Kokila.
Kokila believes that Ayob's extensive experience in law enforcement can contribute valuable insights and strategies to enhance crime prevention measures, intelligence gathering, and proactive policing.
"His knowledge and experience can be applied to specific difficulties that Malaysians confront, such as cybercrime, organised crime, drug trafficking, or terrorism," Kokila said.
Ayob's previous statement as Johor police chief, indicating his commitment to charging errant police officers in court, suggests his support for judicial actions and accountability within the police force.
This indicates a willingness to collaborate with judicial agencies and potentially advocate for the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), which would provide an independent platform to address police misconduct, she added.
"Since 2019, the Malaysian Bar has also asked the government to establish the IPCMC as soon as possible because it has the potential to strengthen our police force.
"The presence of an independent and external mechanism that allows for a full investigation of police conduct would only lead to higher standards of behaviour among policemen and a greater regard for the rights of those under their control," Kokila said.
She claimed that the implementation of the IPCMC would not weaken the police force but foster a sense of responsibility, professionalism, and public accountability.
"The establishment of the IPCMC is also arguably constitutional and it is not in violation of Section 4 of the Police Act 1967."
She also said that Article 140(1) of the Federal Constitution stipulates that Parliament may adopt laws to exercise disciplinary control over all or any members of the police force in such manner and by such authority as such legislation may provide.
Meanwhile, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) Professor of Law Datuk Noor Aziah Mohd Awal said while she's not representing Suhakam, she commended Ayob in her capacity as a Suhakam Commissioner, citing his extensive police experience, strong knowledge of rules and regulations, and expressing confidence that he would prioritise the establishment of the IPCMC if approved by the government.
Ayob previously headed Federal Police's Bukit Aman’s counter-terrorism division before being appointed as the Johor police chief in 2020.