Mohammed Hanif's Legacy as Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police

Mohammed Hanif Omar, who served as Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police (IGP) from 1974 to 1994, left a lasting mark on the country's law enforcement landscape. As the youngest and longest-serving leader of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Hanif implemented several significant changes during his tenure that continue to shape the force today.

On January 1, 1975, just a year into his role as IGP, Hanif established the Special Actions Unit (UTK), an elite counter-terrorism unit within the PDRM. The UTK demonstrated its effectiveness in August of the same year when Hanif led a successful rescue operation during the AIA building hostage crisis.

Hanif's leadership extended beyond operational matters. On March 25, 1975, he renamed the Bluff Road Police Station to Bukit Aman, which serves as the PDRM headquarters to this day. This change solidified Bukit Aman's status as the nerve center of Malaysia's police force.

Recognizing the importance of well-rounded training for police officers, Hanif mandated in 1976 that all recruits undergo Police Field Force training before being assigned to other units. This ensured that every young police officer would be adept at handling emergency situations after undergoing training in forest environments.

Why this matters: Mohammed Hanif Omar's legacy as Malaysia's IGP continues to resonate nearly three decades after his retirement. The institutions and practices he established during his tenure have shaped the PDRM into the force it is today, better equipped to handle the complex security challenges facing the nation.

Mohammed Hanif Omar passed away on April 20, 2024, at the age of 85, leaving behind a lasting impact on Malaysia's law enforcement landscape. His wife and five children survive him. As the nation mourns his loss, his contributions to the PDRM and the country's security will be remembered as a testament to his dedication and leadership.

Key Takeaways

• Mohammed Hanif Omar served as Malaysia's IGP from 1974-1994, the longest tenure.
• Established the Special Actions Unit (UTK), an elite counter-terrorism force, in 1975.
• Renamed Bluff Road Police Station to Bukit Aman, now PDRM headquarters.
• Mandated Police Field Force training for all recruits in 1976 to handle emergencies.
• Passed away in 2024 at 85, leaving a lasting impact on Malaysia's law enforcement.