SINGAPORE - The former Director of the Malaysian Special Branch Mohamad Fuzi Harun has been conferred the Pingat Jasa Gemilang, or the Meritorious Service Medal.

Home Affairs and Law Minister K. Shanmugam presented the prestigious award to Tan Sri Fuzi in a ceremony held at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Monday (Sept 25).

Under Tan Sri Fuzi's leadership, the Malaysian Special Branch strengthened its strong professional ties with Singapore's Internal Security Department, MHA said in a statement.

"There were substantive intelligence exchanges and extensive cooperation in areas of mutual security interest, particularly against the terrorism threat," the statement added.

Tan Sri Fuzi, who was earlier this month appointed Malaysia's Inspector-General of Police, "led by example, and demonstrated astute leadership and resolve in countering the persistent terrorism threat", noted the statement.

The award recognises, among other things, his "significant contributions to the security of Malaysia, Singapore and the region".

Present at the investiture ceremony were guests from the Malaysian High Commission in Singapore and MHA officers.