Mohamad Fuzi Harun was today named to replace Khalid Abu Bakar, who retires today after leading the police force for over four years.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Noor Rashid Ibrahim was previously expected to take over from Khalid, with Fuzi replacing Noor Rashid.
Zahid, who is also the home minister, said the government decided to retain Noor Rashid as the deputy inspector-general of police with a promotion of service grade to a third tier position.
Fuzi was appointed to head the Special Branch in July 2015.
With his departure, Bukit Aman Narcotics criminal investigation department (NCID) director Mokhtar Mohd Shariff has been named the new Special Branch chief.
Zahid today praised Khalid for his contributions to the force.
“He was an extraordinary IGP,” he said. “Extraordinary because of his loyalty. Every problem he handled professionally.”
Khalid will be honoured at a special parade today to mark his retirement.
Khalid, who is from Seremban, was first appointed as an inspector on Dec 5, 1976, before moving up the ranks.
Among the important posts he had held were Negeri Sembilan police chief (2005), federal CID deputy director (2006), Selangor police chief (2007), director of Internal Security and Public Order (2010) and deputy IGP (2011).
Khalid was appointed inspector-general of police on May 17, 2013, succeeding Ismail Omar who had come to the end of his service contract.