PETALING JAYA, JUNE 17- DAP today uged Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak table the Bill to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) immediately.
In a statement today, DAP publicity chief Tony Pua (photo) said that Najib should be bold enough to make the move in light of the recent deaths in custody and the police’s vehement objection to IPCMC.
“Such a move is not only consistent with his pledge to carry out his transformation programmes but will also win additional support from the people for his ruling coalition,” said Pua.
Two days ago, Deputy Inspector General of Police Bakri Zinin shot down calls for the set up of IPCMC, arguing that the existing laws were enough to deal with complaints against the police.
“We have enough legislations in place which was passed in the Parliament. What is important is enforcement and it is more potent than the IPCMC,” he said.
Pua, who is also Petaling Jaya Utara MP, said that the police should not dismiss the IPCMC as in recent years, the situation on human rights abuses and crime wave in Malaysia has not improved despite the ruling government’s support to the police.
He also said that the recent increase in cases of deaths in custody had also cast doubt on the police force’s image.
“And who can forget unprofessional handling of peaceful assemblies over the past few years where even journalists are beaten, which was condemned by Human Rights Commission (Suhakam),” said Pua.
The DAP leader said that instead of antagonising the IPCMC, the police should support the move as it would serve to weed out the black sheeps within the force.
“Besides, if the police is truly professional in its conduct, then it should have nothing to fear from the IPCMC as the winners will be the police themselves,” said Pua.
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