KLANG – Datuk Seri Mohd Shuhaily Mohd Zain is widely recognised as the crime buster who heads Bukit Aman’s criminal investigation department (CID), but many are unaware that his multifaceted background extends beyond law enforcement.
Assuming the CID director role in August last year, Shuhaily swiftly rose from his position as Kuala Lumpur police chief on May 15, marking one of the briefest tenures in that role.
However, not many know that Shuhaily, a Kuala Lumpur native, honed his discipline and strategic mindset during his earlier years as a hockey athlete.
His participation in prestigious competitions such as the Malaysia Games (Sukma) and Razak Cup, during his schooling at Methodist Boys’ School in Kuala Lumpur, laid the foundation for his character.
In fact, he said a part of his discipline and strategic mindset was developed when he was playing hockey under the tutelage of Olympian and former national coach Paramalingam Chelliah.
“It was the discipline, teamwork, and the burning desire to win. It’s always a talk of strategy with coach Param. For me, when it comes to work, when we want to achieve something, we cannot do it alone – we must have a team with us.
“The right strategy will make it happen. That is where I got my basics of planning and teamwork from all the great coaches,” said the 52-year-old.
He was speaking to the media during a small reunion with former teammates at Paramalingam’s house in Jalan Keriang, here today, which included former national players and 1996 Olympians Lum Mun Fatt and Calvin Fernandez.
Shuhaily, a former centre-forward and centre-half player, said his hockey journey began under Paramalingam’s tutelage at the age of 19.
Despite representing Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, Shuhaily candidly admitted that he was not “mature” enough to be selected for the national team.
“It all started back in the 90s when I was still studying. I was a KL player, coach Param gave me a chance to train and invited me to play for Klang and eventually for Selangor. I competed in Sukma, Razak Cup, (junior) national league, and other local tournaments.
“The process is… the coaches will make us mature on the field. For me, I was not as mature as far as playing hockey, and that’s why I didn’t make the cut to the national team.
“But in work, that is the element and dynamic one must have,” said Shuhaily who joined the force in 1998.
Paramalingam, who is turning 90 this year on November 15, has been battling chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, since 2019 due to dengue fever.
When asked what he thought about seeing his young squad again after a long time, he expressed joy at the reunion with his former protege and teammates.
“This gentleman (Shuhaily) – despite being in Bukit Aman or even at a local police station – if I ring him for some help, he wouldn’t say no.
“The minute I ask, the help is already given. That’s the sort of character he is.
“But we shouldn’t misuse another man’s position for personal gains. You must remember, just because you know someone well, you should not take advantage (of them),” he said.
Shuhaily visited Paramalingam after accompanying IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain and Deputy IGP Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay on a walkabout in Pandamaran this morning. – February 4, 2024