After nearly four decades in blue, Sri Kumar bids emotional farewell

KUALA LUMPUR: After a 39-year career spanning nearly four decades, Datuk M.V. Sri Kumar bid an emotional farewell to the police force yesterday. Sri Kumar, who stepped down as deputy director (Crisis and Disaster) at Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order Department (ISPO), delivered his farewell speech through a seloka, a traditional Malay poem, recounting his journey in the force.

Reflecting on his 39 years, six months, and six days of service, Sri Kumar expressed gratitude to his family, including his wife Datin Kalyani Balakrishnan Nair, and their two sons, whom he described as his pillars of strength. He also paid tribute to his late mother, acknowledging her guidance throughout his life. Sri Kumar attributed his success to his deep attachment to ISPO, where he spent the majority of his career managing operations, disaster management, and the Special Action Unit.

Sri Kumar entrusted his responsibilities to Deputy Commissioner Hakemal Hawari, expressing confidence in his successor and describing him as a trusted longtime friend. Before concluding, he shared five core principles that guided his career: integrity, discipline, efficiency, family, and health.