Kuala lumpur: Efforts to combat corruption and strengthen integrity comprehensively require strong political will beginning from the highest level of leadership, says former deputy inspector-general of police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. He emphasized that top leadership must lead by example and demonstrate firm resolve, as any form of organisational transformation would only succeed if those at the top sent a clear signal of having zero tolerance for misconduct.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ayob Khan noted that while integrity education for the younger generation at school level is a positive initiative, it is a long-term investment that will take time to bear fruit. He stated, "Change must come from the top. If the leaders truly have the political will to make it happen, God willing, those below will follow," during his appearance on the Ruang Bicara programme aired on Bernama TV.
Ayob Khan also cautioned against a culture of give and take or covering up the wrongdoing of officers and personnel, as it would only encourage further misconduct. He stressed that no one is above the law, regardless of rank or position. Corruption and integrity issues, he said, should not be considered an 'internal secret' to be concealed, but should instead be openly acknowledged.
"If we do not acknowledge the problems within our agencies, it means we are heading towards destruction. We are not moving forward but backwards. The same applies to our country; if we do not make changes, we will move backwards while other countries move forward," he warned.
In addition, Ayob Khan disclosed that he had received offers to enter politics but had not made any decision. His main consideration, he said, is whether political involvement would allow him to bring about genuine change or merely force him to conform to party leaders' instructions. "If I have to go with the flow, then it is better for me not to enter politics. Alhamdulillah, where I am now, although there may be some limitations, I can still make a difference," he remarked.
Ayob Khan, who was born on July 27, 1966, in Kota Setar, Kedah, was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police on June 23, 2023, and reached mandatory retirement on July 27 after serving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for almost 35 years. During his extensive career with the police, he served in the Special Branch, including its Counter-Terrorism Division, and held the positions of Johor Police Chief, Director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department, and Director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department before being appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police.