A son remembers Hanif Omar, the man behind the badge
Abdul Rahmat Omar teams up with journalist Zaidi Azmi to tell the story of one of Malaysia’s best-known police officers.
Mohammed Hanif Omar, a prominent figure in Malaysian law enforcement, served as the country's longest-serving inspector-general of police for two decades. Born in 1940, Hanif rose to the position at just 35 years old, following the assassination of his predecessor. His career spanned pivotal moments in Malaysian history, including the 1969 riots, the communist insurgency, and the Memali confrontation of 1985.
To many Malaysians, Hanif was a symbol of authority and discipline, known for his strict yet doting nature. His son, Abdul Rahmat, remembers his father's emphasis on responsibility, even punishing his younger brother for playing around and getting his fingers caught in a door. The biography "Where Honour Stood: The Life and Legacy of Tun Hanif Omar," co-written with journalist Zaidi Azmi, explores Hanif's journey from his childhood to his notable career.
The authors blend family memories with historical research, focusing on Hanif's leadership and personal experiences during challenging times. Rahmat hopes the biography will inspire younger Malaysians and civil servants to honor the values of those who served before them, aspiring to emulate the integrity exhibited by figures like his father.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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- A son remembers Hanif Omar, the man behind the badge freemalaysiatoday.com
