Shuhaily’s police return needs Agong’s consent, says IGP

The Home Ministry has decided to return Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (MCBA) director-general Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain to the police force, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail confirmed. The decision, made last week, ends Shuhaily’s secondment to the agency following his Oct. 21 court appearance where he pleaded not guilty to assaulting two police officers.

Shuhaily returns to police force after MCBA secondment

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail told reporters at a ministry assembly that Shuhaily, a police officer seconded to the MCBA, will be redeployed to the police force, which will then determine his next assignment. When asked who would replace him as head of the MCBA, Saifuddin stated the position would be filled by the police.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail noted that the force is currently awaiting legal advice from the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) before finalizing the return. Because Shuhaily’s two-year term as director-general began July 1, 2025, and runs through June 30, 2027, Khalid stated the term can only be cut short with the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim.

Once the return is official, the police will consider further action based on recommendations from the Public Services Commission (SPA). Khalid emphasized that all disciplinary matters remain subject to the SPA and the Police Force Commission.

Shuhaily denies assaulting policemen at KLIA

The redeployment follows a legal case initiated on Oct. 21 at the Sepang Magistrate’s Court. Shuhaily pleaded not guilty to two counts of voluntarily causing hurt to two Special Branch policemen at KLIA Terminal 1 on Sept. 28.

Newswav reports that Shuhaily claims he and his team were conducting an enforcement operation against a foreign touting syndicate at the time of the incident. While the report mentions allegations of shouting and pulling ears, it remains unconfirmed if the confrontation was directly connected to these enforcement efforts.

Lawyers clash over 2015 violence claims

Beyond the current charges, a separate allegation of violence from 2015 has surfaced. A lawyer representing a former policeman, Kamal Hisham, urged the AGC to review a police report from Nov. 19, 2015, alleging that Shuhaily subjected him to violence while serving as the Hilir Perak OCPD.

Shuhaily Zain Legal Status FAQ

What are the specific charges against Shuhaily Zain?
He is charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code with two counts of causing injury to two police personnel at KLIA on Sept. 28.

Who must approve the termination of his MCBA term?
According to IGP Khalid Ismail, the consent of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Sultan Ibrahim, is required to cut short his term before June 30, 2027.