ADDRESSING issues related to race, religion and royalty (3R) will be a key priority for newly minted Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain and his deputy Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail.

He said these were issues Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah was concerned about.

“That was a clear signal to Razarudin and Ayob Khan. They will have to deal with these matters effectively,” he said today.

Saifuddin described the Razarudin-Ayob team as a solid partnership.

“I have very high hopes and confidence that the force under the leadership of Razarudin can continue the legacy left by (former IGP) Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

“With Ayob Khan as the deputy, and with Razarudin’s experience, I believe this is a very solid and good combination.

“The leadership qualities shown by Ayob Khan all this time will allow the police to preserve their reputation as the country’s largest law enforcement body,” said Saifuddin.

Saifuddin spoke in a media conference after the handing over of duties to Razarudin and Ayob Khan.

The minister also said some 40,000 members of the police force will be assigned to maintain security and order during the state polls to be held in six states.

He said this involved personnel and officers in the states involved as well as help from other states that will not call elections.

“The deployment of these members is to ensure that the security situation in the country is maintained, especially in states where the polls are being held.

“The police will be in a state of readiness to ensure that the laws are adhered to.

“This is important because the people should be given the opportunity to vote without having to be afraid of leaving their homes. This is the main focus of the police force,” he said.

Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Penang, Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu are expected to hold elections in August although no official date has been announced.

Elections must be held within 60 days after a legislative assembly’s dissolution. All six states are expected to hold polls simultaneously. – June 22, 2023.