{
  "id": 3390691,
  "title": "Political will, courage key to fighting corruption, says Ayob",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/political-will-courage-key-to-fighting-corruption-says-ayob-3390691",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-26T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today-freemalays",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2026/08/26/political-will-courage-key-to-fighting-corruption-says-ayob"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former deputy inspector-general of police Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay emphasized the importance of political will and courage in combating corruption, stating that the issue is not insurmountable. In an interview with FMT, Ayob Khan, who recently retired after 35 years in the police force, highlighted the necessity of top-level integrity, asserting that a flawed leadership at the top will inevitably lead to problems at the bottom.\n\nAccording to Ayob Khan, leaders must demonstrate their commitment to corruption eradication by taking action against those in influential positions, emphasizing that if they are willing to confront such issues, the means to address them are available. He also recounted instances where he personally intervened in corruption and contract-related matters involving senior officers.\n\nThe deputy IGP argued that achieving lasting reform hinges on political will, asserting that the power to change lies with those in authority. Drawing inspiration from historical conqueror Sultan Muhammad Al-Fatih's successful conquest of Constantinople, Ayob Khan emphasized that there is no such thing as an impossible task until one attempts it.\n\nCiting declining numbers of non-Malays joining the police force, Ayob Khan attributed this trend partly to lower salaries, noting that the current remuneration fails to attract diverse talent, especially considering the expanded career options available to today's youth. He specifically criticized the RM300 monthly housing allowance for police personnel, deeming it insufficient to cover housing costs in major cities. Ayob Khan advocated for a review of lower-ranking personnel's salaries, particularly those of constables, and the introduction of special allowances for officers stationed in urban centers, asserting that improved pay and allowances could bolster the force's ability to recruit and retain personnel.\n\nMoreover, Ayob Khan called for a reevaluation of civil service grades for senior police officers, arguing that the existing structure does not accurately reflect the hierarchy within the police force. He pointed out the disparity in the civil service grade between the deputy IGP and directors of the Special Branch and the internal security and public order department, despite the deputy IGP's supervisory role. Ayob Khan proposed elevating the deputy IGP's rank to Turus III to better align with the position's authority and responsibilities.",
  "summary": "The recently retired deputy IGP says those in power have the authority to drive change if they have the courage to act.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "Political will, courage key to fighting corruption, says Ayob",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/political-will-courage-key-to-fighting-corruption-says-ayob",
        "published": "2026-08-26T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}