TRIBUTES flowed today for former inspector-general of police Hanif Omar, the country’s longest-serving top cop, who died today.

Royalty, politicians and other well-wishers heaped praise on the 85-year-old for his dedicated service to the country.

Pahang Sultan Al-Sultan Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah conveyed his condolences to Hanif’s family.

“My condolences to the entire family of the late Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar, the former inspector-general of police,” he wrote on the Pahang royal household’s Facebook page.

Pahang Tengku Ampuan Tunku Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah also sent her condolences.

Selangor Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah and Tengku Permaisuri Selangor Tengku Permaisuri Norashikin also sent their condolences.

Hanif’s son, Captain (rtd) Abdul Rahmat Omar said his father was a strict person who prioritised national security.

Rahmat said his father had once asked him and his siblings whether he was neglecting them.

“We as children all understood (father’s work). Even though he was our father, he was also for all Malaysians,” he said at Masjid Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

“As the IGP, his duty was to all.”

Rahmat announced Hanif’s death around 2.15am today. He said his father had died from kidney failure. 

He said his father did not want a grand send-off. 

“That was his wish. My father was not someone who cared about such things.

“But if the government wants to do it, then we will accept it with an open heart,” he said.

Earlier, IGP Razarudin Husain extended condolences on behalf of the police force to Hanif’s family.

Other Malaysians took to social media to condole with the Hanif family. 

Colin A. Pereira posted: I believe that Tun was appointed IGP at the young age of 35 after his predecessor was assassinated. My late father had the privilege of serving under him, having been appointed by Tun to head Interpol at that time.  Deepest condolences to his family. (He was) a great officer. May his soul rest in peace.

Daniel Andretti Tan sent his “Deepest condolences to fmly members of our late Tan Sri Hanif Omar who passed away 20/4/2024.”

Yong Steve Yamada wrote: My heartfelt & deepest condolences to the family members of Allahyarham Y.A.B. Tun Mohammed Hanif Omar. May GOD bless his soul to rest in peace and uphold the family members during this moment of grief.”

Hanif became the fourth IGP at the age of 35 on June 8, 1974. He retired in January 1994. His service of 20 years made him the longest-serving IGP in Malaysia.

Funeral prayers were performed at the National Mosque.

Among those present to pay their last respects was former and current Bukit Aman top brass such as former IGP Tan Sri Musa Hassan, Tan Sri Ismail Omar and former deputy IGP Tan Sri Mazlan Mansor.

Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department director Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf and Special Branch Counter-Terrorism  assistant director Nik Ezanee Mohd Faisal were also in attendance. – April 20, 2024.