Political will, courage key to fighting corruption, says Ayob

Former deputy IGP Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has emphasized that political will and courage are crucial to fighting corruption, according to an interview with FMT. Retiring after nearly three decades in the police force, Ayob Khan stated that integrity must begin at the top, with senior leaders leading by example for their subordinates.

He highlighted his own experience of taking action against senior officers involved in corruption and contract issues, suggesting that if they were willing to act, the means to do so were available. Ayob Khan stressed that meaningful change is achievable if those in authority are prepared to take action, referencing Ottoman ruler Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih's conquest of Constantinople as evidence that seemingly impossible goals can be attained with determination.

The former deputy IGP also pointed out that the declining number of non-Malays joining the police force, now comprising only 5.55% of the police personnel, is partly due to inadequate remuneration. He criticized the RM300 monthly housing allowance for police personnel, stating that it is insufficient to cover living expenses in major cities, and called for a review of lower-ranking police salaries, particularly for constables earning between RM2,000 and RM2,500 a month.

Additionally, Ayob Khan suggested a revision of senior police officer grades, arguing that the current system does not accurately reflect the chain of command within the police force, particularly with the deputy IGP holding the same civil service grade as directors of other departments.