Anwar says past service record cannot shield Shuhaily from misconduct investigation

A PUBLIC officer’s past achievements cannot be used to avoid an investigation into alleged misconduct, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said in defending the decision to transfer former Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain back to the police.

Anwar said the government had recognised Mohd Shuhaily’s performance and played a role in advancing his career, but allegations of wrongdoing must still be investigated in accordance with the law.

He said he had personal sympathy for Mohd Shuhaily and acknowledged his service record, but stressed that neither he nor the Home Minister should interfere in the investigation or decisions on prosecution.

“However good an officer may be, he must follow the rules. If there are allegations or accusations that someone has been assaulted, they must go through the proper process,” he said during Prime Minister’s Question Time in the Dewan Rakyat on Tuesday.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Seri Dr Shahidan Kassim (PN-Arau), who questioned the decision to transfer Mohd Shuhaily to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) despite his performance as AKPS chief.

Shahidan also raised a police report involving a security camera recording and urged the government to consider retaining Mohd Shuhaily at the agency.

Anwar said the government had supported Mohd Shuhaily’s career progression, including bringing him from Penang to Kuala Lumpur before appointing him to lead AKPS.

Mohd Shuhaily, 54, pleaded not guilty on Oct 21 to two charges of voluntarily causing hurt to two police personnel at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) on Sept 28.

Anwar said any decision on prosecution rested with the Attorney-General’s Chambers and should not be subject to political interference.

“If the prosecution authorities or the Attorney-General find that there is a case to be brought, then the process must follow the country’s laws,” he said.

He added that action over alleged breaches of regulations did not erase an officer’s previous contributions or achievements. - November 3, 2026