Remembering Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar: A Statesman’s Legacy

Malaysia mourns the loss of a statesman as former Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar, breathed his last at 2:15 am on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

The contributions of Mohammed Hanif in the realms of policing and national security were not only immense but also irreplaceable, destined to be etched in the annals of our nation’s history.

His journey in law enforcement began as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police on June 8, 1959, at the tender age of 20. Demonstrating outstanding performance in his duties, he steadily climbed the ranks, serving as the Chief of Police in Melaka and later in Selangor on December 6, 1971.

Appointed as the Director of Special Branch in 1973 and subsequently as the IGP the following year at the age of 35, Mohammed Hanif became the youngest IGP ever appointed in the country. His appointment at such a young age symbolised not only his responsibility but also the weighty burden he bore as a public servant.

For decades, Mohammed Hanif dedicated himself to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), finally retiring in 1994 after 35 years of service. Throughout his career, he emphasised discipline and integrity, considering them the cornerstone of effective law enforcement. To him, without integrity, all efforts of the PDRM would be tainted, casting a shadow over the many officers who served with dedication and integrity.

As a leader within the PDRM, he emphasised professionalism, ensuring that all officers could execute their duties with excellence and analyse criminal and social issues affecting the community. His leadership set the standard for policing, making the PDRM a pillar of service to society.

But Mohammed Hanif’s service didn’t end with retirement. He continued to contribute his wisdom, offering insights into various national issues. His stance against corruption was resolute, having chaired the Steering Committee of the Malay Consultative Council (MPM). He expressed frustration at the growing influence of the shadow economy, citing it as a major obstacle to eradicating corruption.

Fearless in his convictions, Mohammed Hanif often reiterated the importance of courage in leadership. He firmly believed that every decision must be grounded in the law and that those who defied it must face the consequences. His staunch opposition to abuse of power led him to declare the fight against corruption as a form of jihad.

As someone who had the privilege to work alongside Mohammed Hanif, I can attest to his unwavering commitment to his principles. His leadership was characterised by a rare blend of professionalism, charisma, and statesmanship, a combination that is truly irreplaceable.

Indeed, Malaysia has lost a figure whose shoes will be difficult to fill. Mohammed Hanif Omar’s legacy transcends his professional achievements; it embodies a spirit of service and dedication to the nation. As we bid farewell to a titan of our times, let us honor his memory by continuing the quest for a better, more just Malaysia, one that reflects the values he held dear.