IPCC will lack independence:

PETALING JAYA: Disciplinary powers to deal with police misconduct are not included in the recently tabled Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) Bill 2020, says the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).

IPCC would lack independence and its functions weakened without powers accorded to take disciplinary action, added the commission.

“Suhakam wishes to express its concerns with the recently tabled IPCC Bill 2020, as it does not capture the substantive essence of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill 2019; and the recommendations from the 2005 Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police,” read a Suhakam statement.

Suhakam also highlighted that the Home Minister would appoint the IPCC secretary, and IPCC members would comprise officers from government agencies who would be roped in on a secondment basis to play the role of investigators.

“Moreover, the delegation of IPCC’s powers to any members of the police may also raise issues of conflict of interest.

“Various stakeholders, including Suhakam and civil society organisations, have made numerous recommendations to the government in the past, with the hope to enhance accountability of the police and promote good governance in the country.

“However, this was not realised in the IPCC Bill,” it said.

Suhakam reaffirmed its call for an independent body to enhance accountability of the police force and provide a system of check and balance as an oversight mechanism.

Suhakam hopes improvements will be made to meet public expectation of an independent body to enhance accountability of the police.