IPCMC Bill tabled, but debate to wait till October

Reports by MARTIN CARVALHO, HEMANANTHANI SIVANANDAM, RAHIMY RAHIM and TARRENCE TAN 

THE Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) will have disciplinary authority over any misconduct by police personnel, including the Inspector-General of Police.

According to the IPCMC Bill 2019, which was tabled for the first reading at the Dewan Rakyat, the commission would have to set up a Discip­linary Board that could impose punishment in police misconduct cases.

These include warnings, penalties, forfeiture of emoluments, deferment of salary movements, slashing of wages, demotion and dismissals.

If the complaint is against the IGP, the Chief Secretary to the Govern­ment will need to set up a Special Disciplinary Board to hear the complaint.

Tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong, the Bill also outlines the functions of IPCMC which, among others, are to receive and assess any complaint of misconduct against any member of the police force and investigate the complaint.

The commission may also advise the government on the enhancement of the force’s well-being and welfare, as well as help to formulate legislation or recommend administrative measures to promote integrity and abolish misconduct.

According to the Bill, the Yang di-Pertuan Agong shall, on the advice of the Prime Minister, appoint not more than 10 members to the commission.

The members of the commission shall not comprise those who are still, or have been members of the police force, or members of the civil service.

The Bill is expected to be debated in the next Parliament meeting in October.

Meanwhile, the government has withdrawn the Currency Bill 2019 and Central Bank of Malaysia (Amendment) Bill 2019. No reason was cited for the withdrawal.

The Dewan Rakyat also passed the Revision of Laws (Amendment) Bill 2019 before the House ad­journed sine die.