The Association for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) said waning public confidence in the police can be stemmed through the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

In a press release today, Proham argued that the IPCMC would be the better independent mechanism to investigate police misconduct than the newly-established Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).

NONE The group argued that public distrust over official crime statistics were further compounded by two police custodial death cases involving Cheah Chin Lee , 36, and Lagan Dollah Gaong , 59, over the past 10 days and the controversial fatal police shooting of D Dinesh , 26, who died on Aug 21.

Proham, whose leadership consists of former Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) members, argued that the remedy for the issues sought by family members were not being articulated by the EAIC.

Instead, they were being highlighted by elected representatives and civil society group.

"(The EAIC) has not been very proactive in these issues and has not gained sufficient public confidence and trust of the general public, including civil society as Suhakam has," said the group.

Proham said that such issues are not unique to Malaysia but other countries such as Australia, UK and Hong Kong have instituted independent inquiry commissions which undertake reviews and appropriate legal action against errant police personnel.

"These independent and transparent institutions do assist in correcting public perception and provide clear independent analysis," said Proham.

'Enhancing the police image'

In view of this, Proham urged the federal government to adopt the IPCMC and establish an independent oversight mechanism which should include reviewing Suhakam's powers.

"These efforts will not undermine the authority of the police but enhance its image, accountability and transparency," they said.

The IPCMC was proposed in detail by the royal commission to enhance the operation and management of the Royal Malaysian Police.

NONE Led by former chief justice Mohamed Dzaiddin Abdullah ( left ), the commissioned proposed wide-ranging powers for the IPCMC to tackle police corruption and abuse of power.

However, certain elements within Umno and the police had rejecte d the IPCMC.

Following this, the then-Abdullah Ahmad Badawi administration created the EAIC, replacing the IPCMC.

However, it was criticised for lacking enforcement or powers to prosecute, only able to make recommendations to the relevant authorities.

The EAIC began operating in April 2010. Up till late May 2011, the commission received only 170 complaints.

In an interview with Malaysiakini last year, EAIC chief executive officer Nor Afizah Hanum Mokhtar admitted that " people just don't trust us ".

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