‘Change must come from the top’: Ex-deputy IGP says it is up to leaders to combat corruption

Efforts to combat corruption and strengthen integrity comprehensively require strong political will beginning from the highest level of leadership, says former deputy inspector-general of police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay. — Bernama pic

First Published: Tuesday, 18 Aug 2026 10:21 AM MYT

KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 18 —  Efforts to combat corruption and strengthen integrity comprehensively require strong political will beginning from the highest level of leadership, says former deputy inspector-general of police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay.

He said top leadership must lead by example and demonstrate firm resolve, as any form of organisational transformation would only succeed if those at the top sent a clear signal of having zero tolerance for misconduct.

He said that although integrity education for the younger generation at school level was a good step, it was a long-term investment that would take time to bear fruit.

“Change must come from the top. If the leaders truly have the political will to make it happen, God willing, those below will follow,” he said when appearing as a guest on the Ruang Bicara programme aired on Bernama TV, tonight.

Ayob Khan also warned that a culture of give and take or covering up the wrongdoing of officers and personnel would only encourage further misconduct, stressing that no one was above the law regardless of rank or position.

He said corruption and integrity issues should not be regarded as an ‘internal secret’ that needed to be concealed, but should instead be openly acknowledged.

“If we do not acknowledge the problems within our agencies, it means we are heading towards destruction. We are not moving forward but backwards. The same applies to our country; if we do not make changes, we will move backwards while other countries move forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ayob Khan revealed that he had received offers to enter politics, but had yet to make any decision on the matter.

He said the main consideration was whether political involvement would give him the space to bring about genuine change or merely force him to go with the flow and follow party leaders’ instructions.

“If I have to go with the flow, then it is better for me not to enter politics. Alhamdulillah, where I am now, although there may be some limitations, I can still make a difference,” he said.

Ayob Khan, who was born on July 27, 1966, in Kota Setar, Kedah, was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police on June 23, 2023, and reached mandatory retirement on July 27 after serving the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for almost 35 years.

During his more than three decades with the police, he served in the Special Branch, including its Counter-Terrorism Division, besides holding the posts of Johor Police Chief, Director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department and Director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department before being appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police. — Bernama