Ayob Khan prefers statesman over politics, when asked about retirement plans

KUALA LUMPUR - Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay has firmly stated that he has no interest in entering politics after concluding his service with the Royal Malaysia Police (police).

He said political matters should be left to politicians, adding that he is neither an orator nor a politician.

"Politics... leave politics to politicians. I am not a politician. If you want me to be a statesman, I want to be one.

"What is the difference between a statesman and a politician? A politician thinks five years ahead to stay in power, while a statesman thinks 20 years into the future," he said during a press conference following the Deputy Inspector-General of Police handover ceremony at the Kuala Lumpur Police Training Centre (Pulapol) on Sunday.

Ayob Khan’s position will be temporarily assumed by Special Branch Director Datuk Seri Ibrahim Darus.

Commenting on allegations of political interference throughout his career, Ayob Khan described the question as sensitive. However, he cited an example from his time leading the Special Branch Counter Terrorism Division (E8) in 2019.

He noted that back then, his team arrested a group of individuals suspected of involvement with the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) group, which included two State Legislative Assemblymen (ADUNs) from the then-ruling party.

"I still arrested them. Does that show there was political interference? No. If someone crosses the line, no matter who they are, if it were me... I would arrest them," he said.

He stated that if Malaysia wants to achieve world-class policing, the police must be given the space to enforce the law independently, regardless of an individual's position or background.

"We do not care who it is, whether from the ruling party or the opposition. If they cross the legal line, arrest them. Only then will people respect the police force," he stated.

Meanwhile, Ayob Khan also reiterated his stance regarding the repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA), stating that he previously disagreed with the abolition of the act.

"When I talk about the ISA, many people are uncomfortable. What has been dissolved is dissolved, but if you ask me, there was no basis for it to be abolished," he said.