Bar Renews Call For Ipcmc For Custodial Deaths

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The Malaysian Bar says that the police’s plan to set up a special unit to probe deaths in custody are insufficient to deal with the long-standing issue.
Its president AG Kalidas reiterated its call for the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), as the present Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) is not strong enough to bring about accountability.
He expressed the Bar’s concern on occurrences of custodial deaths, pointing out that for the period from Jan 1 to Sept 30 last year alone, it was reported there were 10 deaths in police custody.
“Cases of death in custody are a matter of great public concern and warrant the highest priority.
“While it has been announced that the Royal Malaysia Police will set up a special unit to investigate cases of death involving detainees, we continue to urge for the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, the IPCMC.
“The current Independent Police Conduct Commission Bill lacks the bite to ensure genuine and independent transparency and accountability in the force.
“The Royal Malaysian Police should support and welcome the establishment of the IPCMC. It will give the Force the dignity it deserves by addressing the misconduct committed by a few of their members, which brings disrepute to the rest of the Force who are steadfastly discharging their duty in the interests of the country,” he said.
Kalidas was speaking during a speech in the opening of the 2022 Legal Year at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya this morning.
On Dec 6 last year, Home Minister Hamzah Zainudin announced that the police would establish a special unit to investigate cases of death involving detainees.
He said it would be known as the Criminal Investigation Unit on Deaths in Custody and would be staffed by 12 police personnel and a civilian staff member.
Hamzah said that the unit would begin operation on Jan 1 this year, headed by a police superintendent.
He said that the unit, which will come under the police’s Integrity and Standards Compliance Department, would focus on the aspect of criminal liability, the duty of care and compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
Hamzah expressed belief that the setting up of this unit would improve the image and integrity of the police force.
However, the announcement of the setting up of the special unit received mixed responses, with PSM calling it a “pathetic” idea and veteran activist Ivy Josiah saying that the “police cannot be left to police themselves”.
In contrast, human rights group Eliminating Deaths and Abuse in Custody Together (EDICT) described the move to set up the special unit as the first step towards system reforms. - Mkini

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