Khalid retires as IGP, succeeded by Special Branch director Mohamad Fuzi

KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar clocked out today as the nation's 10th Inspector-General of Police (IGP) with Datuk Seri Mohamed Fuzi Harun taking over as IGP.
The handover of duties ceremony was witnessed by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi at the Police Training Centre, Jalan Semarak here today.
Ahmad Zahid paid tribute to Khalid, calling the out-going police chief, whom he had worked together with for years, an extraordinary IGP.
"Extraordinary because of his loyalty in whatever situation he was in, and in every problem he faced, he dealt with it professionally," he said.
Ahmad Zahid cited Ops Cantas Khas and the decrease in crime rate in the country as proof of Khalid's success since helming the police force.
In his farewell speech, Khalid said he was thankful to be given the opportunity to lead the force and accepts his departure whole-heartedly.
"I have given my all for the police force, holding on to one principal - loyalty. I believe that when there is undivided loyalty and commitment, God willing, we will achieve success. Now that the time has come for me to leave the force, I accept this reality whole-heartedly. I have given my all and my best. There is nothing else to be considered as 'unfinished business' which I need to carry out. I will continue to stand by the police force and will fight its cause in my own way." he said.
He said that he is confident that the police force will remain dynamic and progressive under Mohamad Fuzi's leadership.
Later, during a press conference, Khalid thanked the media and told reporters that he hoped the media will continue its support for the police force as it had rendered during his leadership.
Khalid, who joined the force in 1976 as an Inspector and turns 60 today was an advocate of having close working ties between the media and police in policing matters.
He is also recognised by crime journalists as "the most media-friendly" police chief the force has had.
Known to be highly internet savvy, posting case updates and greetings in the social media channels such as Twitter and Facebook, the ever-smilling Khalid has never snubbed or evaded the media and always took the time at events and by telephone to speak on official matters to the journalists even when he is busy with tight schedules.
Though known to be stern in policing, he had a good sense of humour blending it in his media comments.
Asked about his plans upon retirement, he said: "I have not made any plans yet."
He had overseen a number of high-profile cases during his tenure, including the assassination of North Korean Kim Jong-Nam and the special task force into 1Malaysia Development Berhad.
Prior to his appointment as IGP on May 17, 2013, Khalid held other key posts including deputy IGP, federal police director of Internal Security and Public Order, Selangor police chief and federal police CID deputy director.
Also during the same ceremony, Khalid's wife Puan Sri Imran Ibrahim handed over her duties as the Police Family Association (Perkep) chairman to successor Datin Seri Azizah Hamdi.
Approached and asked about Khalid's retirement, she quipped: "Finally after 41 years of him in the force and as he turns 60, I finally have him all for myself."