Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail (main image), has been appointed as Malaysia’s new Inspector-General of Police, taking over from Tan Sri Razarudin Husain.
The appointment was formally announced during a handover ceremony at the Police Training Centre in Kuala Lumpur today. The event was attended by Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail and the outgoing Razarudin.
In a statement issued shortly after the announcement, Saifuddin said the appointment had received royal assent from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim Iskandar, on the advice of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“Datuk Seri Mohd Khalid Ismail will serve as Inspector-General of Police for a two-year term effective June 23, 2025,” the statement read.
Mohd Khalid, 60, brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously served as deputy director of the Special Branch before being promoted to director in 2023.
Mohd Khalid was born in Perak and holds a master’s degree in comparative law from the International Islamic University Malaysia.
He joined the Royal Malaysia Police on April 5, 1987, and has served in various roles within the Special Branch before being appointed director of the department in 2023. Although he was initially slated for mandatory retirement on April 8, his contract was extended.
His appointment follows considerable speculation over who would succeed Razarudin, with Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay widely regarded as a leading contender.
Twentytwo13 had earlier highlighted the unique nature of the IGP appointment, noting that it remains a political decision requiring royal assent, unlike other high-level public service posts.
Mohd Khalid is expected to face significant challenges, particularly at a time of possible political recalibration and renewed calls for constitutional reform.
Expectations are high. He must work to restore public trust and integrity in a police force whose image has been tarnished by recent incidents of misconduct.
Transparency and accountability must be among his top priorities, including fair and open engagement with all stakeholders – especially the media.
It is hoped that journalists, whose job is to ask difficult questions, will not be viewed as enemies of the force.
Earlier today, Bukit Aman also announced the promotions and transfers of eight senior officers, including four state police chiefs, effective July 21.
Datuk Hussein Omar Khan moves from Selangor police chief to director of the Federal Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department. Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Rusdi Mohd Isa has been promoted to director of the Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department, while Penang police chief Datuk Hamzah Ahmad has been named director of the Integrity and Standards Compliance Department.
Meanwhile, Kedah police chief Datuk Fisol Salleh has been appointed deputy director of Bukit Aman’s Internal Security and Public Order (Operations/Movements) Department.
