BATU PAHAT: There is a need for a second Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIGP) post and the establishment of a Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said today.
He said the introduction of a second position for the country's No. 2 top cop will benefit the 120,000-strong police force.
"As Home Minister and the person who chairs the Police Force Commission Meeting, the announcement can only be made after the meeting has convened to confirm the proposal.
"However, (I feel) there is a need to create another post for DIGP and to revive the department for anti-terrorism efforts because we know the threat of terrorism is happening in the region.
"The Royal Malaysian Police should strengthen and expand the number of personnel in its counter terrorism unit by upgrading its status to become another department in Bukit Aman," he told reporters after opening the Batu Pahat Umno divisional delegates meeting at Dewan Jubli Intan Batu Pahat today.
The New Straits Times reported today that the country may, for the first time, see two “deputy sheriffs”.
The report stated that the police, which have in recent days been undergoing a major reshuffling to strengthen its line-up, may also see the establishment of a new department — the CTD.
The idea behind the move to set up this 11th department in Bukit Aman was to strengthen the country’s preparedness and enhance the police force.
Although not confirming nor denying the front page report, Zahid admitted that if such a proposal was true, it would ultimately be decided by the Police Force Commission.
He said the proposal for a second DIGP post and the person appointed into that post will depend on the approval of the Police Force Commission, with consent from the Yang diPertuan Agong and on the advice of the Prime Minister.