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Malaysia's Deputy IGP Ayob Khan has no political ambitions
🇲🇾 Malaysia /Elections & Politics

Malaysia's Deputy IGP Ayob Khan has no political ambitions

From Utusan Malaysia · () Malay

Translated from Malay, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Malaysia's Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay stated he has no intention of entering politics after retiring from the Royal Malaysia Police.
  • He emphasized that politics should be left to politicians and that he is not a public speaker or politician, differentiating between a politician focused on short-term gains and a statesman focused on the future.
  • Ayob Khan also recounted his actions in 2019, arresting individuals linked to a Tamil militant group, including two state assemblymen, to demonstrate his commitment to enforcing the law impartially, regardless of political affiliation.

Malaysia's Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has firmly stated his disinterest in pursuing a political career after his service in the Royal Malaysia Police concludes. "Politics, politics, leave it to the politicians. I am not a politician," he declared, distinguishing his role from that of elected officials. He elaborated on the difference between a politician, who he believes focuses on short-term electoral success, and a statesman, who considers the long-term future.

Politics, politics, leave it to the politicians. I am not a politician. If you want me to be a statesman, I want to be.

— Ayob Khan Mydin PitchayDuring a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre (Pulapol) after a handover ceremony for the Deputy Inspector-General of Police position.

Addressing questions about political interference during his career, Ayob Khan cited his 2019 actions as head of the Counter Terrorism Division. He recalled arresting 14 or 15 individuals suspected of involvement with the Tamil Eelam Liberation Tigers (LTTE), including two state assemblymen from the then-ruling party. "I arrested them too. Does that show political interference? No. If they cross the line, it doesn't matter who they are. If I... I will arrest them," he asserted, underscoring his commitment to impartial law enforcement.

What is the difference between a statesman and a politician? A politician thinks about the next five years to stay in power, but a statesman thinks about the next 20 years.

— Ayob Khan Mydin PitchayExplaining his view on the roles of politicians and statesmen.

Ayob Khan stressed that for Malaysia to achieve "world-class policing," the police must be allowed to enforce laws freely, irrespective of an individual's position or background. "We don't care who it is, government party or opposition party. If they cross the legal line, arrest them. Only then will people respect the police force," he stated. He also reiterated his past disagreement with the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), noting that while it has been dissolved, he still believes there was no basis for its removal.

I arrested them too. Does that show political interference? No. If they cross the line, it doesn't matter who they are. If I... I will arrest them.

— Ayob Khan Mydin PitchayResponding to a question about political interference during his career, referencing his actions against LTTE suspects.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Utusan Malaysia in Malay. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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