BY ALLAN JAY & AMYRA VARKISA
KUCHING: Supt Dr Collin Babat has etched his name in history as the first Iban police officer in Sarawak and even in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) to attain a PhD in law.
Currently serving as the deputy police chief of Sibu district police headquarters, the 48-year-old from Sri Aman has effectively set a precedent for future generations.
With an academic journey rooted in determination and dedication, Dr Collin’s accomplishments reflect a steadfast commitment to education.
Having secured a Bachelor of Legal Studies (BLS) with Honours; a Bachelor of Law (LLB) with Honours; and a Master of Law (LLM) in Public Law and Public Interests – under the Public Service Department Scholarship – his latest achievement takes centre stage.
During the 97th UiTM Convocation at Dewan Agung Tuanku Canselor at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, Collin proudly received his doctorate in law.
His dissertation, delving into the Sentencing of Female Infanticide Offenders in Malaysia and England and Wales, underscores his commitment to legal reform and social justice.
The convocation was officiated by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah on August 5.
Dr Collin, who comes from a modest family background – his father an ex-policeman and his late mother a dedicated housewife, acknowledged the unwavering support of his family, particularly his wife, who stood by him as a pillar of strength.
His achievement also carries a special dedication to his late mother, a promise fulfilled in honour of her memory since her passing in 2006.
“My lovely wife and children have been the bedrock of this victory.
“Equally important, this achievement is a tribute to my late mother and the pledge I made to her after her demise in 2006 at Sibu Hospital,” he shared.
His dedication to education extends to his children, who excel academically.
One is pursuing engineering studies at UTM, Johor; another has embarked on a medical journey at Unimas, Kota Samarahan; a third is actively engaged in studies at Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuching Utara; a fourth will be studying at Sekolah Menengah Sains Kuching Utara; and the fifth is still studying at SK St Mary in Sibu.
Dr Collin’s path to success has been paved with challenges, often requiring meticulous time management between familial responsibilities, work commitments and studies.
His relentless pursuit of knowledge is underscored by the belief that discipline, focus, and a harmonious equilibrium between family, work, and education are key to achieving ambitious goals.
“As Nelson Mandela wisely stated, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’
“I have instilled these words in my children and I stand as an example, motivated to witness their academic triumphs,” he said.
Prior to his current position, Dr Collin has held various positions in PDRM such as Criminal Investigation Officer of Shah Alam IPD in Selangor; the D6 Staff Officer in Criminal Investigation Department of Selangor Police Contingent Headquarters (IPK); Computer Analyst of PDRM Forensic Laboratory in Cheras; the D5 Staff Officer (Prosecution & Legal Division) of Criminal Investigation Department in Sarawak IPK; the Crime Prevention and Community Safety Division chief in Miri IPD; Security Officer for Bintulu Development Authority; Staff Operations Officer of General Operations Force (GOF) in Batu Kawa, Kuching; and Public Order Staff Officer in Sarawak IPK.
“Among the challenges while studying was time management between family, work commitment and study.
“While doing PhD, every ‘balik kampung’ trips for Gawai Dayak and Christmas festive celebrations, I would bring along my laptop to study.
“During the weekends, I often came to the office from 8am to 5pm to read articles or journals and writing. Meanwhile, on weekdays, I did the same routine from 10pm to 2am,” he said.
With this, I would like to express my gratitude to my employer, PDRM, for allowing me to embark on this journey, my main supervisor Professor Madya Dr Zaiton Hamin and co-supervisor Dr Nadzriah Ahmad, my PhD colleagues and all lecturers at the Law Faculty, he added.
