Let Royal Commission settle Memali once and for all
THE call to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to investigate “Memali Incident” is justifiable and should be supported by all. Though the incident happened more than 30 years ago, it is still in the hearts and minds of so many people in the country.
The time has come for the government to strongly consider setting up an RCI so an independent body can investigate the incident in the remote village of Memali in Baling, Kedah, on Nov 19 1985 which resulted in the deaths of several villagers and policemen. Many were also arrested that day.
As the issue has come up in public discussion again, the government should seriously consider a special inquiry to properly investigate the incident.
Under Section 2 of the Commissions of Enquiry Act 1950 the Yang di-Pertuan Agong may, where it appears to him to be expedient to do so, appoint one or more Commissioners and authorise the Commissioners to enquire into (a) the conduct of any federal officer; (b) the con- duct or management of any department of the public service of Malaysia; (c) the conduct or management of any public institution which is not solely maintained by State funds; or (d) any other matter in which an enquiry would, in the opinion of the King be for the “public welfare”.
An RCI could investigate properly the allegations against the authorities which have been made by the public, especially by those who were severely affected.
New facts or fresh evidence could emerge which could open the door for possible legal action by those who lost family members or experienced suffering.
Most importantly, by having RCI, the Malaysian public will able to see and comprehend once and for all what actually happened that day so many years ago.