KUALA LUMPUR, June 26: The Malaysian Government should seriously consider the recommendations of High Court Judge, Datuk VT Singham who supports the proposal to create an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) immediately to address the increase in cases of custodial deaths.
PKR Vice-President, N Surendran when interviewed said that the court’s recommendations should be taken seriously by the government to guarantee that custodial deaths are reduced.
“This is a great criticism and should be taken seriously by the government despite the Home Affairs Minister, Datuk Seri Zahid Hami stating previously that it is not necessary,” he said.
Singham said this when he red out his judgement on the suit case against the police and the government brought up by the family of a detainee, A Kugan, who died four years ago.
He explained that the recommendation by the royal commission of inquiry to set up the IPCMC should not be left unattended.
This move, he said, should be carried out as soon as possible to give confidence to all parties, including family members of individuals who have while died under police custody.
Surendran, who is also the Padang Serai Member of Parliament, also urged the Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to resign when the court decides that Khalid was negligent in performing his duty as the Selangor Police Chief at the time.
“The court’s decision is important because the judge clearly stated that Kugan was killed while under police custody.
“Khalid has no other choice but to resign as the Chief of Police,” he explained.
Meanwhile, PKR De Facto Leader, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim urged the Home Affairs Minister to respond promptly regarding these incidents.
“I want clear answers from the minister and to act accordingly to what has been raised to receive clear information about what happened,” he stressed.
Statistics from 2000 to May 2013 showed a total of 231 recorded custodial deaths.