In a statement, Bukit Aman said Azmi’s appointment takes effect on April 17. The post has been vacant following the retirement of its previous director, Zaini Jass, on March 9.

Yesterday, FMT reported that Azmi’s promotion was discussed by the Police Force Commission in a recent meeting.

FMT also learned that deputy inspector-general of police (IGP) Razarudin Husain, who retires today, is likely to be given a contract extension that will allow him to succeed the country’s top cop, Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani.

A source in the know said Razarudin was a favourite to replace Acryl Sani as IGP when the latter’s contract ends in October.

The source said the commission had also discussed promoting Bukit Aman Narcotics director Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay to become the new criminal investigation department (CID) director.