NSTP chairman Tan Sri Ismail Omar shares with Aliza Shah his experience as the former top cop
ALWAYS willing to lend a helping hand and enthusiastic and passionate about his work. That is the best way to describe former inspector-general of police (IGP) Tan Sri Ismail Omar, who left behind an impressive legacy of police work and law enforcement.
After retiring from the force on May 17, 2013, the 64-year-old dedicated his time to his lifelong dream of completing his law studies.
He completed his chambering and was admitted as an advocate and solicitor recently.
He began his journey as a law student in 1988 when he opted for study leave after 17 years in the force.
He completed his law degree at International Islamic University Malaysia in 1992, but decided to continue serving the force and postponed his chambering.
“I had no time to do my chambering back then.
“At that time, I have to admit, I was not that ambitious. I was happy with what I was doing. I liked my job and I liked to serve the people. I felt good helping people in trouble,” said Ismail, who is New Straits Times Press chairman.
Many people will remember the stern look Ismail wore on his face at press conferences and in newspapers. It is the same look he had during this interview.
But it faded when he started sharing his proud moments serving the country.
Ismail is the fifth of 10 siblings and is the only one in his family who followed in his father Omar Rahman’s footsteps to become a policeman.
Kulim-born Ismail started as a police trainee in 1971 and served in various police departments before being appointed the ninth IGP on Sept 13, 2010.
Throughout his career in the force, Ismail had the opportunity to sharpen his skills as a law enforcer through his roles as criminal investigating officer, traffic investigator, Bukit Aman chief investigation director of legal and prosecution affairs and deputy director of the Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department (CID), among others.
He said a turning point came during his 17th year in the force.
“I had a traumatic experience during my early days as an investigating officer. There was a moment when lawyers would tell me in court, ‘I put it to you that you are lying and confused’.
“I felt so insulted and I did not know how to respond. Although I knew the law, I felt I had insufficient knowledge of it. That was when I decided I needed to further my studies in law.”
Ismail said the knowledge he obtained from studying law was another “weapon” for enforcement officers like him as it improved his understanding of laws so that he could make better judgments.
MEMORIES AS IGP
The murder of cosmetics entrepreneur Datuk Sosilawati Lawiya eight years ago was one of the many cases that Ismail could not erase from his memory. The high-profile case, in which police nabbed the people responsible for the murders of Sosilawati, her driver, her lawyer and a bank officer in 2010, was his proudest moment.
Ismail said he and his team were determined to find the truth, and they needed to get the job done despite being away from their family for dozens of weeks, including festive seasons.
“I remember telling (former Bukit Aman CID deputy chief) Datuk Hadi Ho Abdullah, ‘I don’t care if it is the eve of Hari Raya Aidilfitri. I want you and your boys to continue looking for evidence’.”
He said the case took a toll on him, his team and their families.
“I remember a call I received from my wife. She asked me when I would return as it was the eve of Aidilfitri. I told her that I was so sorry.”
Ismail said their hard work paid off with the arrest of all suspects involved in Sosilawati’s murder.
Sosilawati and the three other victims had been reported missing after going to discuss a land deal with a businessman in Tanjung Sepat, near Banting, Selangor.
Police would later find fragments of their remains and remnants of the firewood used to burn their bodies.
A businessman and three farm-hands are on death row for committing the murders.
Another incident that Ismail cannot forget is the Lahad Datu intrusion, in which 10 security forces personnel were killed.
The Lahad Datu stand-off started on Feb 11, 2013, as more than 200 armed militants loyal to the self-proclaimed Sulu Sultanate arrived by boats in the eastern Sabah district.
“We were about to dissolve Parliament to pave the way for the 13th General Election when the intrusion happened in March 2013.
“As chief of police, it was a challenge for me, especially knowing that the prime minister could call an election any time.
“The intrusion went on as all that was happening. I was happy that we contained the situation in time.”
ADVICE TO THE YOUNG
“Go the extra mile and give no excuses.”
That is what Ismail advises the younger generation.
Ismail said he had a tough time in his younger days, but lessons he learnt from them made him the person he is today.
“During my early years in the force, I faced many, many testing times. But I did not run away from those difficult moments. The work is tough — long working hours and, some days, I didn’t go home. We slept on the table at the office.”
He said he did not realise then that the experience made him a better person and policeman.
“Don’t give excuses that you don’t have enough sleep. No! To be ready for something bigger, you need to go through all these hardships first.
“Always have determination and be committed to whatever you are doing.
“Forget about rewards.”
Ismail said once he learnt to overcome challenges and personal obstacles, he could focus on being committed to his job.
“My comrades and I used to ride our motorcycles around town just to make sure that there was no crime.
“We did that voluntarily as we were committed to the job.
“This is commitment. This is the importance of having the right attitude. Focus on the job and do not think about rewards.”