KUALA LUMPUR: The appointment of Datuk Seri Mazlan Lazim as the new Deputy Inspector-General of police is well deserved, says Datuk Seri Michael Chong.

       The MCA Public Services and Complaints Department head said Mazlan was the perfect man for the job given his extensive experience.

       “I have known him for nine years. He truly deserves to be the Deputy IGP.

       “We worked closely when he was then the Kuala Lumpur police chief and I was an adviser to the Kuala Lumpur Malaysian Crime Prevention Foundation,” he said in an interview.

       Chong’s remarks came in the wake of Mazlan being appointed as the Deputy IGP.

       It was announced that the Yang di-Pertuan Agong had consented to the appointment, which took effect yesterday.

       Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainuddin said the appointment was on the advice of the Prime Minister and recommended by the Police Force Commission.

       Mazlan was previously the director of the Bukit Aman Logistics and Technology Department, which will now be taken over by Penang police chief Comm Datuk Sahabudin Abd Manan.

       Bukit Aman Special Branch deputy director Comm Datuk Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain will be the new Penang police chief.

       Mazlan’s appointment to the number two post in the police force ended speculation about who among the country’s senior police officers would be promoted to the position.

       The post has been empty since Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani was promoted to the country’s top cop post on May 4.

       Chong said Mazlan was sincere and approachable in the course of his duties as a senior police officer.

       “Not only that, he always prioritises the welfare and safety of those under him.

       “When the Covid-19 pandemic broke out last year, he always made sure that police personnel and officers were well equipped with the necessary protective equipment such as masks.

       “I have no doubt that he is the right man for the job and he will be able to assist the IGP in elevating the police force further,” he added.

       Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch Thief (Marah) founder Dave Avran said Mazlan had extensive experience, having served in various important posts, including as Kuala Lumpur police chief and director of the Bukit Aman Logistics and Technology Department.

       “Mazlan has the potential to assist IGP Datuk Seri Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani in cleaning up the police force and taking it to greater heights.

       “My worry is that at 59, Mazlan will retire at the end of this year and the temptation to play safe and just warm the seat for six months is there – unless he gets a follow-up two-year contract. I guess we will see in due time,” he said.

       Born in Kota Setar, Kedah, on Dec 25, 1961, Mazlan has a Masters in human resources development and a degree in economic resources.

       He has also held various positions in the force at district, state and federal headquarters levels, including as OCPD of Padang Besar, Perlis, and Seberang Prai Utara, Penang.

       He also served as director-general of the Prime Minister’s Department protection division.