'I absorb all the criticism' - Ayob Khan's wife on three decades by his side

KUALA LUMPUR - Negative remarks, criticism and slander directed at Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay have become almost routine for his wife, Puan Sri Zalena Mohd Ariffin, to face.

After more than three decades by Ayob Khan's side, Zalena has chosen to be the "shield" who absorbs such criticism, having come to know his character, principles and way of carrying out his duties well.

Zalena said the two of them had also served together in the Royal Malaysia Police.

"I understand the demands and pressures of the job, but we have an understanding not to interfere in each other's professional matters.

"Sometimes I become like a sponge. There's a lot of criticism, negative remarks and slander against my husband (Ayob Khan) that I've had to hear and absorb.

"Even when I hear all that, I don't tell him. What matters to me is that he stays focused on his duties and responsibilities," she said when met at a luncheon with the Crime Journalists Association (CiJA) here on Tuesday.

She added that Ayob Khan is also not one to bring home the pressures and problems he faces while carrying out his duties.

As a wife, however, Zalena understands the challenges her husband has had to go through, including facing security threats in the course of his work.

"I'm always worried about his safety and the family's safety too.

"There have been threats, but my husband (Ayob Khan) always takes precautions," she said.

Tuesday was a meaningful day for the couple, with Ayob Khan receiving the 1448H/2026 National-Level Maulidur Rasul Figure Award in the National Hero category.

Despite undergoing treatment for stage three lung cancer, Zalena still showed up to give her husband moral support at the moment.

She had, in fact, undergone her eighteenth chemotherapy session just the day before (Monday) and had first obtained her doctor's permission to attend the event.

"I pushed myself because I wanted to give my husband moral support," she said.

Meanwhile, Ayob Khan, a former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, said the recognition he received was not merely a personal honour but a meaningful tribute to the police force.

He said that although he has since retired and no longer carries the responsibilities he once held, he hopes the recognition serves as an example to the entire force to serve with integrity and dedication.

"I was only informed four days ago that I would be receiving this award. To me, this isn't just for me but for the police.

"Thank you to the government for choosing me to receive this recognition," he said.