KUALA LUMPUR: Federal Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID) director Commissioner Datuk Seri Amar Singh Ishar Singh has found unexpected international fame amidst the high-profile investigation into scandal-plagued 1MDB.
The lawman led a series of raids that combed through luxury condominiums in downtown KL and the private residence of former prime minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak.
Amar's no-nonsense demeanour has earned him the tagline "Singh Is King" among netizens, a nod to the popular Indian comedy-action film, Singh Is Kinng.
But who exactly is Datuk Seri Amar Singh? Here's a brief look at his background:
1. He holds multiple academic degrees in various disciplines
In addition to an LLB from the University of Buckingham, Amar also has a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master's in Criminal Justice from Universiti Malaya (UM); and a Diploma in Syariah Law and Practice from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM).
2. He joined the police force 35 years ago
Amar started his career at the Ipoh district police headquarters after completing Assistant Superintendent Cadet police basic training in 1983.
He then steadily moved up the ranks and held different positions in the police force.
3. He became the first Sikh officer to hold the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief post
In 2016, Amar was promoted to take up the Kuala Lumpur Police Chief role, which he said was an honour for minority races in Malaysia.
"This also proves that the force's leadership is colour-blind in promoting its officers, as well as in executing our duties," he said.
Seventeen months later, he was promoted to head the Commercial Crime Investigation Department (CCID).
4. His father and maternal grandfather were policemen
Amar’s father, Ishar Singh, joined the Federated Malay States Police in 1939 – a year after coming to Malaya from Punjab. According to an English language news portal, Ishar was a pioneer member of a special police jungle squad.
Amar's maternal grandfather, Bachan Singh, was a constable in the early 1900s.