Penang DAP Socialist Youth (Dapsy) has handed over a memorandum to the police calling for the immediate setting-up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to probe continuous incidents of misconduct in the force.

NONE The group of about 10 members led by state Dapsy assistant secretary Satees Muniandy handed over the memorandum at the Prai Police Station, which was accepted by the acting officer in charge of the station, Inspector Mohamed Ilias.

In a press conference after the event, Satees said the independent body should investigate all complaints about police misconduct to improve the performance of the force.

The force has taken a beating following several cases involving the police being highlighted, the latest being the alleged rape and forced oral sex of an Indonesian woman in a Prai police lock-up last week.

Three police personnel, whose ages range between 21 and 35, have been charged under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and 377 C for forcing the victim to perform unnatural sex on them.

‘Best reason for the force to accept IPCMC’

Satees said that the IPCMC was suggested by a royal commission of inquiry to improve the management of the police, headed by former Chief Justice Mohammed Dzaiddin Abdullah, in 2006.

However, the body has yet to be established due to protests from the police force itself, added Satees.

“Several cases involving the police recently present the best reason for the force to accept the body,” he said outside the Prai police station yesterday.

Satees pointed out the cases which has grabbed public attention, including the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006 by two police personnel, former bodyguards of then-deputy prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.

Other cases involving the police include those related to the deaths in custory of A Kugan and P Chandran.

“Despite the fact that the police had been swift in probing the rape case and bringing the three accused to court, the incident should not have happened at all,” he said.

“The police’s duty under Section 3(3) of the 1967 Police Act is to maintain law and order, preserve the peace and security of the country, and to identify crime,” he added.

“According to the law, the police are to protect the public, including those in custody. However, what is happening now is simply the opposite,” he stressed.

‘Police unable to probe themselves’

Satees then said that this appears as if the police are unable to investigate themselves fairly and transparently.

He added that the force should not object to the IPCMC as it would ensure that all cases involving the police are probed thoroughly and with integrity to improve the reputation of the enforcement agency.

He stressed that the public’s faith in the police force would eventually return with this development.

“As it is now, the public views the police station as a place that is no longer safe due to the numerous incidents,” said Satees.

“We hope a law can be passed in Parliament for the setting-up of the independent body and we will continue to campaign for it,” he added.