PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Bar has lauded the move to install 11,500 CCTV cameras in police detention centres and immigration entry points under Budget 2020.
"The presence of such CCTVs will deter any abuse of power," Malaysian Bar president Datuk Abdul Fareed Abdul Gafoor told The Star.
He was commenting on the move announced under Budget 2020 to address the issue of deaths and abuse of power in lock-ups.
Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng, in tabling the Budget at Parliament on Friday (Oct 11), announced that RM50mil would be allocated to the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption to improve procedures and detention facilities.
This includes the installation of 11,500 CCTV cameras in police detention centres and immigration entry points.
On moves to improve detention facilities, Abdul Fareed said the Bar welcomed this as there had been too many complaints for "far too long."
"It's timely and the way forward. It will address the deplorable conditions of detention centres," he added.
Abdul Fareed also said the setting-up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) and Ombudsman Malaysia were measures which were long overdue.
"The Bar is looking forward to such institutions to boost integrity," he said.
Under the Budget 2020, it was announced that the IPCMC would be formed to increase public confidence in the police.
The Ombudsman Malaysia is set to replace the Public Complaints Bureau to increase good governance and improve the government delivery system.
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