SINGAPORE - The Pingat Jasa Gemilang (Meritorious Service Medal) has been conferred on Datuk Seri Akhil Bin Bulat, the director of Special Branch of the Malaysia Police, by President Tony Tan. The award was presented by Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean on Thursday.

According to a statement by the Ministry, under Datuk Seri Akhil Bulat's leadership, the relationship between the Malaysia Special Branch and Singapore's Internal Security Department grew even closer.

The successful repatriation to Singapore of several Singaporean Jemaah Islamiyah and Moro Islamic Liberation Front members apprehended in Malaysia is a testament of his commitment to working closely with Singapore, especially against the terrorism threat.