Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, former Deputy Inspector-General of Police, stressed that combating corruption requires strong political will starting from the highest level of leadership. He said, "Change must come from the top. If the leaders truly have the political will to make it happen, God willing, those below will follow," during his Bernama TV Ruang Bicara interview on August 17, 2026 [1].
He cautioned that top leaders must lead by example and show firm resolve to send a clear message of zero tolerance for misconduct. Covering up or tolerating wrongdoing among officers would only encourage further corruption, he said. "No one is above the law regardless of rank," Ayob Khan emphasized [1, 2, 3, 4].
Ayob Khan also highlighted the importance of integrity education starting at the school level as a long-term investment. Though such efforts will take time to show results, instilling a culture of honesty in the younger generation is vital to sustain genuine improvement [1, 2, 3, 4].
He warned against regarding corruption and integrity issues as internal secrets to be hidden. "If we do not acknowledge the problems within our agencies, it means we are heading towards destruction. We are not moving forward but backwards," he said [2]. Open acknowledgment is essential for meaningful progress.
Born in Kota Setar, Kedah, on July 27, 1966, Ayob Khan served nearly 35 years in the Royal Malaysia Police. He was appointed Deputy Inspector-General of Police on June 23, 2023, and retired on July 27, 2026 [1, 2, 3, 4]. His career roles included Key postings in the Special Branch, Johor Police Chief, Director of Narcotics Criminal Investigation, and Director of Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department [s1-s4].
Ayob Khan has received offers to enter politics but has not yet decided. He said his main consideration is whether political involvement would allow him to effect genuine change or would force him to follow party leaders. "If I have to go with the flow, then it is better for me not to enter politics. Alhamdulillah, where I am now, although there may be some limitations, I can still make a difference," he stated [1, 3].
