Cop: Be Determined to Build a Better Life

In a policing career spanning two decades, Inspector Ameruddin Ghazali has seen a lot.

He has stood in the sun and rain to control traffic, investigated commercial and narcotic crimes, and taken part in numerous operations, including the seizure of almost RM8 million counterfeit notes in 2014.

“I joined law enforcement soon after finishing school,” Insp Ameruddin, 44, shared.

At just 19, he enlisted as a constable, leaving his hometown of Temangan in Kelantan, and heading for Bakri, Johor, where he was stationed for 9 years.

In 2003, he served on the security forces at the historic 13th Conference of Heads of State or Government of the Non-Aligned Movement. In 2007, he went to Timor-Leste on a United Nations peacekeeping mission.

In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector, and today manages firearms and explosives licensing in Klang Utara, Selangor.

Out of uniform, Insp Ameruddin has found time to coach football at a local school, and is an active member of the residents’ association in the apartment building where he lives.

That is not where his accomplishments end; he has also earned not one but two degrees from OUM.

He was 30 when he decided to obtain a degree. “I enrolled in the Bachelor of Human Resource Management programme in 2009 because I felt it could add value to my career.”

Studying was not easy due to his hectic and unpredictable job. In fact, he nearly failed, but managed to turn his luck around in the last few semesters, finally graduating in 2020.

Immediately afterwards, Insp Ameruddin took up Master of Management. He received a special alumni discount on tuition fees and completed his studies even more smoothly.

“My job requires me to be ready for anything,” the married father of four explained. “In 2018, I assisted flood operations in Klang. During the Covid-19 Movement Control Order, I supervised roadblocks. Those were assignment and exam seasons, so balancing work and studies was tough.”

However, online learning was a life-saver. “It made studying so flexible. I could download notes, watch video lectures, do my revision, take quizzes and tests, and chat with lecturers and coursemates online. I didn’t get bored easily as it was all interactive.”

Among his many accomplishments as a learner, Ameruddin’s proudest is his master’s thesis. “I had never written a dissertation, but thanks to the support from OUM, I got an ‘A’. I even completed my masters in just 2 years with a CGPA of 3.91.”

For those inspired to follow suit, Insp. Ameruddin said: “Go through your study materials daily, for at least 1 hour. Such consistency will help you in the long run. Besides, it’s easier to study bit by bit. Read to understand, not memorise. Prepare notes and keywords, flashcards and mind maps. These will be very useful in revising for exams.

“Most importantly, be determined to build a better life. The future holds great rewards if you are willing to make small sacrifices along the way.”