The DAP continues to press the federal government to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) over what it described as the latest "outrageous scandal" of the rape of an Indonesian restaurant worker by three policemen.

NONE The BN government has failed to establish the IPCMC even after seven years of its recommendation, DAP secretary general Lim Guan Eng said in a statement today.

This, Lim said, proved the BN government's unwillingness and insincerity in dealing with problems of police abuse and corruption.

"(It) has also led to a worsening public perception about the police," said Lim, who is also Penang chief minister.

He said the IPCMC would not only allow the people an avenue for filing their complaints, but it would also keep the police on their toes and ensure that such incidents of abuse of power are not repeated.

The IPCMC was the core recommendation in the Dzaiddin Royal Commission, so much so that a draft bill was even included in the 2005 Royal Commission Report, Lim added.

The IPCMC would also help to remove public perception that the police are used as a political tool to help BN fix up the opposition parties, he said.

The IPCMC would also help to professionalise the police force by ensuring that they conduct their duties solely to protect the people by fighting criminal activities and ensure public safety.

"Thus, DAP demands for the full and unconditional implementation of the 125 recommendations of the 2005 Dzaiddin Royal Commission, including its most important proposal of all, which is to set up the IPCMC," Lim added.

The three policemen from Prai have been charged under Section 376 of the Penal Code for raping the 25-year old woman, and under Section 377 C for forcing her to perform oral sex on them at a lock-up in the Prai police station on Nov 9.

Hishammuddin says no to IPCMC

Home Minister Hishamuddin Hussein said the government had already ensured that the suspects have been brought to court.

On the IPCMC, Hishamuddin said there was "no single formula" to solve all problems as it was more important that the ministry was transparent in ensuring that those in the wrong are brought to face justice and given punishment that is proportionate to the crime.

NONE However, Lim, who is also the MP for Bagan, is not satisfied with Hishammuddin's response.

"How will Malaysians have any confidence in the police when the very officers entrusted with upholding the rule of law and public safety can be alleged to have committed such a heinous crime, and in a police station no less?" he asked.

"Unless the people have unquestioned confidence that the police will protect the public and not behave like criminals, the billions of ringgit spent every year by the federal government will not improve the image of the police as a responsible defender of public safety," he added.

Lim then listed several incidents before the rape case, including the recent death of furniture salesman Cheah Chin Lee while in police custody , which has yet to be resolved.

There had also been many other high profile cases over the last few years, such as the death of A Kugan and 14-year-old student Aminulrasyid Amzah, who was gunned down in cold blood, he said.

"The rape of the Indonesian woman in the police station is so serious that not only has it adversely affected the image of the police but also Malaysia's image internationally," Lim added.