Zaman Khan was instrumental in taking down 'Bentong Kali'

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 11 -- The country has lost a revered figure in the national security forces following the demise of Tan Sri Zaman Khan Rahim Khan.

The former director of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) who began his service in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) in 1962 as an ASP Cadet, was greatly feared by criminals.

Many high-profile cases handled by the native of Pasir Mas, Kelantan, were solved with the criminal leaders taken down, some of whom were killed in shootouts.

P. Kalimuthu or ‘Bentong Kali’, the so-called ‘trigger happy’ criminal who killed 16 people before he was shot dead by police, notorious robber ‘Botak Chin’ (Wong Swee Chin) and the Japanese Red Army hostage incident in Kuala Lumpur were among the cases he had handled.

In fact, while handling the Bentong Kali case, Zaman Khan, who was then the CID director, was personally contacted by the gangster himself to meet at a golf club, but the criminal who was shot dead on June 29, 1993, did not show up as promised.

Zaman Khan was also tasked to handle the murder case of Batu Talam state assemblyman Datuk Mazlan Idris involving the bomoh couple Maznah Ismail @ ‘Mona Fandey’ and Affandi Abdul Rahman in July 1993.

His success in numerous high-profile cases and having a no-nonsense attitude made him a fearsome figure, and brought good repute to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).

His services and devotion did not end there, as after being appointed as the Malaysian Prisons Department director in February 1994, Zaman Khan introduced many ideas in providing convenience and comfort to prison inmates.

Among them were a modern high-tech security equipment system and the creation of a ‘Mini Garden’ in the prison to prevent the smuggling of prohibited goods into the prison.

He also allowed prisoners across the country to make phone calls to their immediate family members as part of rehabilitation efforts.

Zaman Khan retired from duty on Dec 31, 1996, at the age of 55, with his last position being the director of the Prisons Department.

During his service in the PDRM, Zaman Khan held various positions including as Kuala Lumpur Traffic chief (1972-1974); Petaling Jaya District Police chief (1974); Negeri Sembilan Police chief (1977-1979); Penang Police chief (1979-1984); and Kuala Lumpur Police chief (1984-July 1987).

He was later promoted as the director of the Bukit Aman Department of Internal Security and Public Order (August 1987-1989); and the director of the Bukit Aman CID (1989-1994).

The father of five was also fond of and involved in sports such as football and rugby.

In recognition of his services, Zaman Khan was awarded the title of Tan Sri in 2011 and various other awards including the Maulidur Rasul 1434H award.

-- BERNAMA