KUALA LUMPUR: A sharp memory, a decisive firmness and a willingness to always give his advice to younger police chiefs were among the qualities of the longest serving Inspector-General of Police Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar, who died early yesterday.
In their tributes to him, Hanif’s successors such as Tan Sri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani spoke of how the former’s advice had guided their own careers.
“He would sometimes check in and offer words of wisdom,” said Acryl, of how Hanif would contact and offer him advice when he was appointed IGP in May 2021.
“He was also very supportive when I became IGP. He would contact me at times and give advice.
“His insight was very useful. I will miss him. I can’t find enough good words to say about him. The police force has lost a legend,” Acryl said of Hanif when contacted.
Former police commissioner Datuk Koh Hong Sun said Hanif’s appointment as IGP at 35 was testimony of his capable leadership even from a young age.
“He was a very effective leader and had an excellent command of English and also a sharp memory. He could remember each and every officer who served under him and recounted past events in detail,” said the former director of the Commercial Crime investigation Department (CCID) who retired from the force in 2010.
Another former IGP, Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, also revered Hanif’s advice.
“I learnt a lot while working under his leadership,” said Fuzi, adding that Hanif emphasised the importance of nurturing a lineup of superiors and senior officers who could set a good example to their subordinates.
“He would also focus on the importance of integrity and would always remind police personnel to not be corrupt. All his advice and views were always close to my heart,” he said.
Former Penang and Melaka police chief Datuk Arthur Edmonds described Hanif as a fine police officer and gentleman.
“He rose to helm the force about a year after I joined the police in 1973. He was a tough, firm and decisive man with stellar leadership. These qualities were not just in heading the force but most importantly in serving the country,” said Edmonds who retired from the force two decades ago as a deputy commissioner.
Current IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain described Hanif as a legendary figure who strengthened the police force.
“Under him, we enjoyed peace, and the welfare of police personnel was well taken care of,” said Razarudin, whose father also served under Hanif.
Politicians such as Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail also paid tribute to Hanif’s contributions, saying that these were “immense” and “so valuable”.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim also offered his condolences to Hanif’s family.
“Received the sad news that former IGP Tun Hanif Omar has passed away. I pray that his soul is blessed by the Almighty,” he said.
MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Wee Ka Siong said Hanif’s contributions and sacrifices for the country will be cherished forever.
“His passing is a huge loss to the country, especially the police force,” he said.
Hanif continued to work on issues of public safety even outside the force by setting up the Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) in 1993, said Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
“After I retired from politics, I was invited by Tun Hanif to be one of the founding members of MCPF.
“I was the senior vice-chairman from 1993 onwards and I worked very closely with Tun.”
