Lawmakers believe setting up of IPCMC is timely

KUALA LUMPUR: Several lawmakers say it is timely to set up an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) following Suhakam’s findings linking the police’s Special Branch to the disappearances of Pastor Raym­ond Koh and activist Amri Che Mat.

Hassan Abdul Karim (PH-Pasir Gudang) said efforts must be made to restore the image of the police, especially the Special Branch.

It is not right to blame the entire police force for the wrongdoings of a handful, he said during the debates on the Supple­mentary Supply Bill yesterday.

“I believe it is time the Home Min­istry considers the IPCMC on the mi­s­­conduct of (some) police personnel. The IPCMC must be formed to restore the image of the police institution that we love dearly,” he said.

At the lobby, Kasthuri Patto (PH-Batu Kawan) said the setting up of IPCMC has always been an agenda for Pakatan Harapan even when it was in the opposition coalition.

“There will be more transparency, accountability and integrity on how cases are viewed and reviewed.

“Ultimately, the setting up of the IPCMC will provide justice to death in police custody, and even the disappearance of the two individuals.

“I will also be present when a co­a­lition of NGOs will be submitting a memorandum on the case, “she said.

Khairy Jamaluddin (BN-Rembau) said the government’s response to the Suhakam finding was correct, that the result of the inquest should be investigated further.

“Although we don’t dismiss Suhakam’s findings, but I think it is subject to further investigation as it is a very serious allegation,” he said.

He suggested the government set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry and IPCMC to further look into the matter.

“As far as IPCMC is concern, that should be considered anyway independently.