DISHONEST practices, lack of professional ethics and non-compliance with the law among police forces will inadvertently have a negative impact upon the fundamental liberties of the Malaysian people at large.
Thus, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is concerned by Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Abdul Hamid Bador’s recent statement, alleging serious corruption and abuse of power among police officers including the existence of a cartel in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) intending to dominate the force for their own benefit.
Whilst Suhakam, in a statement, commends the courage of the IGP in disclosing the said misconduct, “This is a serious issue deserving immediate investigation to ascertain if there is truth behind the allegation.”
“If found to be valid, firm action must be taken to end such practices within the police force.”
Suhakam reiterates its position that an effective review process by an independent oversight mechanism, and/or a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) – that is transparent and free from political interference in all forms – is crucial in the fight against corruption and abuse of power in the police force.
“We urge the Government to enact the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Bill, which ideally, would have incorporated the substantive points of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill 2019 and the recommendations from the 2005 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police,” it remarked.
According to Suhakam, the presence of such an independent body should go a long way to imbue a sense of responsibility and accountability amongst the police personnel, provide safeguards against police misconduct and abuse of power, and restore the peoples’ faith and respect for the conduct of the enforcement agency.
“We hope that there will be no further delays in the establishment of the IPCC,” Suhakam stressed. – March 31, 2021
