KUALA LUMPUR: Former Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar was and extraordinary and loyal policeman, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Zahid Hamidi.
He said Khalid's exceptional loyalty to the country never diminished even when he or the country was under pressure.
"Why I said he was extraordinary is because the crime index rate was brought down to 47 per cent when measured using the conventional way. When calculated for every 100,000 people, the crime rate went down by 100 per cent.
"Crimes are still happening but there is always room for improvement," said Zahid at a press conference after witnessing the handover of duties ceremony between Khalid and newly appointed Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Fuzi Harun.
Zahid said Khalid had performed his responsibilities professionally, particularly when executing Op Cantas under the former's directive, without any questions.
He said the operation was a success as the country had seen its highest crime rise ever since the establishment of the Internal Security Act (1960) and several other laws deemed as "draconian" which resulted in many detainees being freed.
"The operation was created to maintain the country's harmony before new Acts were tabled in the Parliament and approved by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong.
"I had instructed the police to establish three new units since then, Stagg (anti-vice, gaming and gangsterism), Sting (National Police Anti-Drug Tactical Specialist) and Stafoc ( Special Task Force on Organised Crime) and the force dealt with the issue directly without favour and with hierarchy not being an issue."
Zahid also added that as the home minister, he had never meddled with operational matters of the police as it was not his job to do so.
"I am only involved when it is relating to policies."
Meanwhile, Fuzi said the police would continue putting their focus on battling terrorism, with the government's recent approval of 343 new intakes to be placed under the Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division.
"With the new intakes, I am positive that this menace be better contained both domestically and globally."
Fuzi said he found out about the appointment earlier this morning.
"I was shocked to know that I would be appointed to carry the huge responsibility (as the IGP) but I am ready," he said.
Asked if it was any different from other posts he had carried, Fuzi said the new post would be a challenge as he would also be in charge of 10 departments under the police force.
He said that he would be fair in leading the force.