When Wan Khairul Azizi Wan Ali was brought to magistrate’s court 2, Kuantan, for case mention last Saturday over a drug-related offense, he was said to have appeared to be “in a very weak condition”.

Moments after arriving in court, he collapsed and subsequently passed away.

Expressing rage at how a detainee could reach such a physical state without being brought to medical attention, human rights group Suaram demanded that the police and prison officials responsible for Wan Khairul be brought to book for their negligence.

“Suaram condemns the police personnel on duty for failing to carry out their duties in ensuring that the detainee was well, as required under the Lock-up Rules 1958,” said Suaram coordinator Yap Heng Lung in a statement today.

“Firstly, where was the police officer on duty when the now-dead detainee was in that physical state of exhaustion?” he asked.

“Secondly, why did the police officer decline to take emergency action when asked to do so by his (Wan Khairul’s) family?” Yap added.

The deceased hailed from Felda Bukit Goh, Pahang, and was arrested on May 12 this year and charged under Section 15(1)(a) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.

According to the family members of the victim, said Yap, the prison authorities did not inform them of his condition.

“This shows that the prison authorities did not accord the proper treatment as stipulated in the Prison Act 1995 (Act 537) and , said Yap.

“This is not the first death in custody. According to the Home Ministry, there have been as many as 141 deaths in custody since 2000.

“Suaram is extremely doubtful the Home Ministry’s statement that the government ensures all detainees are monitored in terms of their health and receive medical treatment when needed,” he added.

Suaram called for the government to put in place the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) that had been recommended by the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police in 2005.

It also urged disciplinary action be taken against the police and prison officials involved over Wan Khairul’s death.

Suaram also called for the government to raise the credibility and quality of the police force and prison authorities and to stop from using the police to violate the people’s rights.