Forced disappearances: Set up IPCMC now, urge G25, Patriot

Koh (left) and Amri

PUTRAJAYA: The setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) should be done without further delay so there is an independent body with close oversight of police functions, say two NGOs.

The call by G25 and the National Patriots Association comes after the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) inquiry into the disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat found the Special Branch of the police responsible.

“While Patriot and G25 appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of our security forces to their duty, they must also be made accountable for (any) miscarriage of justice.

“This is in line with the institutional reforms for a responsible government as promised in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto.

“We strongly believe that the government should establish the IPCMC without further delay so that there is an independent body with close oversight of police functions, and which can conduct an immediate inquiry into incidents that give rise to concerns over abuse of police powers,” said the two NGOs in a joint statement Thursday (April 4).

Suhakam is pointing its finger at Bukit Aman in the case of the disappearance of Pastor Koh and Amri, who they say were victims of “enforced disappearance by state agents”.

G25 and Patriot also expressed their concerns that the findings had further eroded public confidence in the police.

“However painful this episode of forced disappearance may have been, what is most important for our society and nation and, particularly for the police force, is to move on.

“We urge the police to be magnanimous, to be open and truthful.

“Revealing the missteps conducted under forced coercion during the unfortunate past should invite the reciprocal compassion and understanding of our people,” they said.