THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is disturbed by recent media reports of alleged assault on a civilian by police officers based on the suspicion that he was involved with smuggling cigarettes.
While the country is now in a state of emergency, this does not warrant the abuse of power by any party in any situation.
The abuse of power by law enforcement authorities is not something new. Between 2015 and 2020, Suhakam received a total of 479 complaints relating to excessive use of force and abuse of power by the police force.
In accordance with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime’s Handbook on Police Accountability, Oversight and Integrity, Suhakam is of the view that an effective review process by an enforcement oversight body is crucial, particularly in addressing cases of misconduct concerning excessive or unlawful use of force and firearms by police officers.
Suhakam wishes to highlight that the use of force should only be necessary and proportionate to the law enforcement’s objective and the level of resistance encountered.
In this regard, Suhakam calls for the early enactment of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Bill and call on the government to ensure that the IPCC Bill incorporates the substantive essence of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission Bill 2019 and the recommendations from the 2005 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police.
Suhakam is convinced that the establishment of a freer and more independent and transparent body will go a long way towards restoring and enhancing public confidence in the police force. – The Vibes, February 10, 2021
Suhakam is an independent organisation dedicated to investigating complaints of human rights violations
