Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan today said the police have objected to the proposal to form the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

Speaking to reporters in Kuala Lumpur, the new police chief said he had only agreed to a counter proposal which had been submitted to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

However, he did not elaborate on the proposal.

According to Musa, the IPCMC was unfair to the police as it did not give them the right to appeal. Even criminals have the right to appeal, he said.

However, he also reportedly stated that the final decision lies with Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The IPCMC was proposed by the Royal Police Commission to enhance the image and accountability of the police force.

The proposal was welcomed by human rights groups and politicians. Even the premier had given it the green light.

Final stages

Last month, the government said the proposal was in the final stages of study by the AG's Chambers.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Bahrum had reiterated that the government has endorsed, in principle, the establishment of the IPCMC.

However, he said the form of any such watchdog would rely on the findings of the AG's Chambers.

After Musa took office on Monday, several quarters, including the Bar Council and Transparency International, had urged him to support the IPCMC.

In another development, the police are investigating several banners put up in the city criticising Musa.

The banners, which read "Siakap, senohong, gelama, ikan bilis. Bercakap bohong lama-lama jadi ketua polis. Tanya Musa", were found in Brickfields, Cheras and Dang Wangi.