PUTRAJAYA, Sept 1 – Tan Sri Ismail Omar will replace Tan Sri Musa Hassan as the country’s new Inspector-General of Police, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein announced today.
Ismail, who is currently the deputy IGP, will assume his new post on September 13.
Musa, who had his contract extended twice, leaves under a cloud as he had come into office with a Mr Clean reputation but now leaves amid allegations of wrongdoing.
The police force under Musa is also seen now as ineffective and demoralised.
“Today, I would like to announce that the period of contract for Tan Sri Musa as the Inspector-General of Police will end on September 12 and therefore Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar has been recommended as the new police chief,” Hishammuddin told reporters during a press conference here.
He added that Internal Security and Public Order Director Commissioner Datuk Hussin Ismail would be the new deputy IGP.
Hishammuddin denied Musa’s contract was not renewed due to public pressure and expressed hope that Musa would still be able to contribute to the police after retirement.
“Of course, nothing to do at all (with outside pressure). I think it is a continuity and struggle that we have to carry all our life. Because as you see Tan Sri Musa has been serving for 41 years and we cannot expect him to carry the responsibility. We have to find ways in which he can continue to contribute,” he said.
Musa, 59, reached retirement age in 2007 but had his tenure extended twice.
Pakatan Rakyat (PR) lawmakers have demanded that Musa step down as IGP, claiming that crime and corruption had escalated under his watch.
However Musa stressed that he had never felt disappointed during his tenure as the police chief.
“I never felt disappointed with the police and I have given everything to the police force. It is time for me to step down because of my age. I have also trained my deputy Tan Sri Ismail Omar and I hope Tan Sri Ismail Omar will ensure continuity in the police leadership to make the force better and plans that have been implemented should be continued,” said Musa.
Musa advised his successor to ensure the police fulfill its duties and regain public confidence.
“I advise the police force should be taken care of because we need the police to take care of the country. Therefore the police must be right in fulfilling its duties and get the confidence of the public. That is all I ask,” he said.
Musa said his greatest challenge as the IGP was to make strong and honest decisions without fear or favour.
“It is always a challenge to be an IGP. You have to be strong to face these challenges and as long we are sincere in our duties then we don’t have to be scared with anybody. I feel that I faced all of these challenges with sincerity. We must be true in what we say and not hide because then the people will not believe us,” he said.
Reports over Musa’s retirement came into the forefront after suspended Police Commissioner Datuk Ramli Yusoff was acquitted of three corruption charges by the Sessions Court in March.
During Ramli’s trial in Kota Kinabalu, Musa had been described by a Sessions Court judge as an unreliable witness.
Ramli’s acquittal had sparked intense speculation surrounding his future because his relationship with Musa is understood to have been soured by events leading up to his prosecution.
A number of uncorroborated reports had also emerged on the Internet in recent years alleging the involvement of the criminal underworld leading up to Ramli being charged with corruption.
Ismail said today that he was grateful to Musa and would continue to listen to his opinions.
“I feel that I am blessed to have been able to work with Tan Sri Musa and I will continue to take note of his opinions to continue developing the police force and provide the best service to the public,” he said. MI
