KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail has met all merit and eligibility criteria set by the Police Force Commission.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said there were six established criteria for the appointment of an IGP.
“The appointment of the new IGP has fulfilled all merit and eligibility requirements set,” he said in a parliamentary written reply.
He was responding to Dr Abd Ghani Ahmad (PN-Jerlun), who questioned whether the appointment was based on merit and to what extent the merit of the Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIGP), who would also have been considered for the post, was taken into account.
Among the conditions are that the IGP must be a senior police officer of Commissioner of Police (CP) rank or above, have an excellent service record, pass an integrity screening by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), and be free of disciplinary action.
Saifuddin added that the list of candidates must also be endorsed by the Police Force Commission and submitted for the consent and approval of His Majesty the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, in accordance with Clauses 4 and 5, Article 140 of the Federal Constitution.
Mohd Khalid was appointed IGP on June 23, succeeding Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, whose term ended on June 22.
Over his career, he has served in various senior roles both domestically and abroad, including as deputy director of Special Branch I at federal police and as Security Liaison Officer in London, United Kingdom.
He was promoted to director of Special Branch on April 10, 2023, and retired on April 8, 2025. However, his service was extended on a contract basis from that date, and he now continues with his new appointment as IGP.
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