Malaysian IGP Conferred Distinguished Service Order From Singapore President

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah SINGAPORE, May 4 (Bernama) -- Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ismail Omar was awarded the Darjah Utama Bakti Cemerlang (Distinguished Service Order) by Singapore President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam at an investiture ceremony in the Istana here Friday. The conferment was in recognition of his outstanding contribution in fostering excellent ties and co-operation between the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) and Singapore's police force and internal security department, thereby enhancing the safety and security of both countries. In a citation during the ceremony, it was stated that Ismail, who was born on May 17, 1953, was a career police officer who began his service in the RMP in 1971. With more than 40 years of policing experience, his outstanding performance, strong leadership and unwavering commitment in fighting crime were widely recognised. He progressed rapidly through the ranks and was appointed IGP on Sept 13, 2010, reaching the pinnacle of his profession. Singapore, with its geographical proximity, historical links and close relations with Malaysia, has benefited from Ismail's active and significant contributions in the promotion of close bilateral ties. The excellent co-operation in the areas of investigation, training and sharing of intelligence and information has yielded tremendous operational successes for both countries in combating terrorism and transnational crime. Ismail's advocacy of extensive bilateral co-operation has also led to the deepening of ties and development of exceptional rapport between officers of both countries. Under Ismail's leadership, the RMP has provided valuable operational assistance to the republic's police force in solving significant cross-border crimes and crippling organised crime syndicates. The RMP has also contributed greatly to further the region’s capacity to combat terrorism and crime, with its hosting of the permanent Asean Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) Secretariat within the RMP headquarters in Kuala Lumpur since 2010. Speaking to Bernama after the ceremony, Ismail expressed gratitude and appreciation to the Singapore president, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and the home affairs ministry for the award. "Indeed, it is an honour not personnaly for me, but more importantly for the two (police) forces. "I understand the award is a recognition for the strong cooperation and the long-standing working relationship between the forces. What is important is to still work together in a stronger bondage than before, because of the challenges ahead of us," he said. -- BERNAMA