Establish the IPCMC without further delay

THE Malaysian Bar commends and supports the new Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador’s recent statement, as reported in the media, that he “(takes) responsibility in ensuring the police will get the best outcomes from all aspects while the public will feel protected and will get the best service from the setting up of the IPCMC (Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission)”.

Abdul Hamid’s expression of support for the establishment of the IPCMC is significant, positive and encouraging. It is our fervent hope that the IGP’s leadership in this respect will herald a new dawn of police accountability, and of public confidence in the PDRM.

The IPCMC is intended to function as an independent and external oversight body to investigate complaints involving the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) personnel. The establishment of the IPCMC is indisputably constitutional, and does not violate section 4 of the Police Act 1967. Article 140(1) of the Federal Constitution – which is the supreme law of the land – states that Parliament may enact legislation to provide for the exercise of disciplinary control over all or any of the members of the police force, in such manner and by such authority as may be provided in that legislation.

We wish to categorically state that, in meting out disciplinary action, the IPCMC would not undermine the powers of the IGP. It is only the investigative and disciplinary functions currently under the Police Force Commission – which is an internal body – that would be taken over by the IPCMC, in order to have external oversight.

If the IPCMC receives a complaint about alleged misconduct, and upon investigation discovers that adequate disciplinary action has been taken by the PDRM, the IPCMC will not take any further action.

The IPCMC would act only if the PDRM has taken no action, or inadequate action, on the complaint. The PDRM can rest assured that all upright and law-abiding police personnel who have committed no offence have nothing to fear from the IPCMC.

As part of the Malaysian Bar’s recommendations to the government’s Committee for Institutional Reforms, we put forward amendments to the proposed Bill that the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police had drafted and submitted to the government. Our proposed amendments were aimed at addressing various concerns, including the right to legal representation, right to remain silent, solicitor-client privilege, and the right to appeal against decisions of the IPCMC.

The Malaysian Bar urges the government to set up the IPCMC without further delay. Its establishment will undoubtedly enhance the stature and the standing of the PDRM.

ABDUL FAREED ABDUL GAFOOR

President

Malaysian Bar