This earned him criticism from civil rights activists who accused him of using Twitter to curb free speech.

[9] In April 2018, Khalid was found liable for the defamation of Nurul Izzah Anwar, vice-president of the opposition People's Justice Party, for portraying her as a traitor in 2013 during statements made as IGP about the Lahad Datu standoff.

Additionally, on the same day, Prime Minister Najib appointed Khalid as his special envoy in matters relating to combating terrorism, extremism and human trafficking on the international stage.

[14][15] He was originally not pressured to be investigated by Tan Sri Mohamad Fuzi Harun, his predecessor.

[16] In 2021, Khalid was subjected by former Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad due to slander after an article uploaded by The Malaysian Insight titled "Khalid Abu Bakar Bocor Rancangan pada Najib" (lit.