THE nation remains without a named successor for the post of Inspector-General of Police (IGP) less than 24 hours before the formal handover ceremony, as Tan Sri Razarudin Husain prepares to retire from the top police role on 22 June.
Despite mounting speculation and an impending transition, the government has yet to announce who will be appointed as the next head of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM). The decision ultimately lies with the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
Three high-ranking officers have emerged as leading candidates for the role: current Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay; Director of the Special Branch, Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail; and Director of the Internal Security and Public Order Department (JKDNKA), Datuk Seri Azmi Abu Kassim.
Ayob Khan was elevated to his current role on 23 June 2023, after serving as Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Mohd Khalid, appointed Special Branch Director on 8 May 2023, currently holds the acting rank of VUYA5 (JUSA A), while Azmi has led the JKDNKA since December.
An official media notice from the PDRM Corporate Communications Unit confirmed that the Handover of Duties and Final Parade ceremony for the outgoing Inspector-General is scheduled for Friday afternoon at the Police Training Centre (Pulapol) in Kuala Lumpur. The event, which begins at 2.15pm, is expected to be attended by the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.
When asked by reporters in Johor on Thursday, Prime Minister Anwar declined to reveal whether the shortlist of candidates had been submitted to Istana Negara, and gave no indication as to when the appointment would be announced.
Under Article 140 of the Federal Constitution, the appointment of the Inspector-General of Police is the constitutional prerogative of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, exercised on the advice of the Prime Minister.
Razarudin was appointed Malaysia’s 14th Inspector-General of Police on a two-year contract beginning 23 June 2023, following his retirement and the departure of his predecessor, Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani. - June 20, 2025
