"You can't keep a good man down" especially when he is seemingly bent on plugging the country's porous borders!
Perhaps that is what many are thinking in the case involving Datuk Seri Shuhaily Mohd Zain, the no-nonsense Director-General of the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS).
Last Wednesday (October 21), the former Bukit Aman CID chief was charged at the Sepang Magistrate's Court under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt to two Special Branch police officers on September 28.
The charges stemmed from a high-profile incident at KLIA Terminal 1 on Sept 28, which thrust the agency into the spotlight after mobile footage went viral online.
The controversial clip appeared to show a senior official matching Shuhaily’s likeness accosting two men at the terminal, with one of them seemingly being grabbed forcefully by the ears.
Following the viral uproar, Shuhaily publicly stated on Oct 1 that he would fully cooperate with authorities and abide by whatever decision the government deemed appropriate.
According to a news report, the two Special Branch personnel—deployed as travel control officers at the international gateway—have vigorously rejected suggestions that they may be touting or facilitating “counter-setting” syndicates to bypass immigration controls.
It must be highlighted that last year, under Shuhaily’s command, AKPS achieved resounding success, making seizures worth over RM82mil in coordinated raids and enforcement operations at airports and other entry points.
Yet, despite the success, he conceded that tackling counter-setting activities remains a real challenge—stemming from a deeply ingrained culture among those allegedly involved.
Shuhaily further claimed that despite repeated warnings and firm enforcement action, some officers remained defiant and unwilling to turn over a new leaf, having allegedly become accustomed to lifestyles sustained by illegitimate income.
"AKPS officers must uphold highest standards of integrity" – Shuhaily
Meanwhile, this latest episode has triggered a firestorm in the country, with social media rife with speculation and conspiracy theories.
Inevitably, it has also raised several uncomfortable questions.
While it is encouraging to see the country's authorities move with lightning speed to address the matter, given Shuhaily’s reputation, some may be prompted to ask: Is this our government departments' standard response time, or is it a case of selective urgency?
Furthermore, since Shuhaily was swiftly charged in less than a month, critics may also argue: why then do some high-profile corruption cases and massive corporate scandals continue to drag on for months—even years—hampered by postponements and technicalities?
What about the delay over the case involving the alleged “corporate mafia”?
Another glaring concern: In government enforcement agencies, aren't internal disputes and disciplinary cases usually handled through domestic inquiries, warning letters, or transfers?
Why then has this particular incident escalated straight to a criminal court within weeks?
Interestingly, a day before his court appearance, Shuhaily remarked that border security reform comes at a price—and he was fully prepared to pay for it himself under the rule of law.
(Screenshot of news headline and image from NST)
What is plainly obvious though is that even before the trial begins, public sympathy seems overwhelmingly in favour of the AKPS chief.
But did those in power bother to ask why?
The truth is, Shuhaily has built a fierce reputation as an uncompromising anti-corruption figure refusing to bow to the underworld and prepared to challenge entrenched negative cultures in certain government departments.
So the question here is: Is the public’s backing for him borne out of sympathy—or is it due to a deep-seated frustration with a system perceived as quick in prosecuting the "good guys," yet slow and hesitant when acting against big, ruthless cartels?
Some may even ask cynically: Are we witnessing swift justice—or is it actually a veiled warning to anyone who dares to take the bull by the horns and shake up decades-old “norms” in the country?
The thing is, real reform demands firm and immediate action—not endless politicising, technical delays, or laying the blame on so-called “legacy” problems.
With AKPS's stellar track record, didn't Shuhaily demonstrate to some leaders what true "reform" is?
If anything, it looks like he may have inadvertently delivered a rude wake-up call to those in power!
As the case awaits mention on November 25, it is only proper not to speculate so as to be fair to all parties and to respect the judicial process.
Will more sordid details emerge during the trial and could there be a twist in the tale? Quite possibly.
We’ll just have to wait and see.
As it is, many disappointed members of the public will be left pondering: Why is a brave man committed to fighting the perennial border corruption scourge in this country dragged to court so fast—and now forced to fight for his own future?
(Main information sources: New Straits Times, Malay Mail, and KOSMO)
JK Joseph (jtkingsworld@gmail.com) is a content creator under the Newswav Creator programme, where you get to express yourself, be a citizen journalist, and at the same time monetize your content & reach millions of users on Newswav. Log in to creator.newswav.com and become a Newswav Creator now!
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