KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) has suspended the use of orange lock-up attire for suspects when they are brought to court, effective immediately.
MACC chief commissioner Datuk Seri Abd Halim Aman said the decision was made following recent developments and recommendations concerning procedures for handling suspects, particularly when they are brought to court.
“Suspects are allowed to wear their own clothes when brought to court, while lock-up attire will only be worn in the lock-up,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He said the use of handcuffs would depend on the circumstances, but they would not be used on elderly suspects, children, persons with disabilities and those who are frail.
“The commission remains committed to ensuring that all actions taken in handling suspects are carried out professionally, with integrity and prudence, as well as in accordance with the law and established procedures,” he added.
Meanwhile, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim is of the view that individuals detained during an investigation do not need to wear the orange detention garb during the remand period before they are formally charged in court.
The Prime Minister said the practice should be reconsidered to avoid creating negative public perceptions of individuals who remain under investigation and have yet to face any charges.
“I have said that before prosecution, or before a person is brought to court and charged, there is no need to wear orange detention garb,” he told reporters after Friday prayers at Masjid Bukit Indah in Ampang Jaya.
On Tuesday, a former minister was brought to court wearing the MACC’s orange lock-up attire for a remand application in connection with an investigation into a hotel lease involving Lembaga Tabung Haji in Saudi Arabia.
