KUALA LUMPUR – The Malaysian Bar is calling for the setting up of an independent external organisation to investigate all deaths in custody.
In a statement yesterday, its president, Salim Bashir, said the organisation views that external civilian oversight systems will complement and enhance existing mechanisms and create accountability for detention authorities.
Salim said the Malaysian Bar applauded the coroner’s decision, but also called on the government to consider establishing custodial medical units at detention centres throughout the country.
He said when a person is brought to legally sanctioned custody, the law imposes a duty on the custodial officer to ensure the health and safety of the person in custody.
He added that detention authorities must ensure that medical treatment is available for all suspects, especially those with health risks and pre-existing conditions.
The call was made in the wake of the findings of the Shah Alam coroner’s court on Monday, on the death of Thanabalan Subramaniam, who died in police custody in 2018.
According to the statement, the Malaysian Bar also called for detention authorities to ensure proper sanitation of these lockups, and for basic amenities to be made accessible in all places of detention.
“The Malaysian Bar hopes that based on the decision of the Shah Alam coroner’s court on the unfortunate and preventable death of Thanabalan Subramaniam, a thorough and extensive investigation must be conducted in order to bring those responsible for his death to justice,” he added. – Bernama, December 23, 2020
