PKR said that the federal government had acted "inhumanely" by appealing against the High Court's ruling on the suit brought by custodial death victim A Kugan's mother against the police and the government.

In press release yesterday, PKR communications director Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the government should not appeal as plaintiff N Indra had already gone through a four year ordeal to seek justice for her son.

"The appeal draws attention to the federal government's failure to accept criticism towards their policies and fears, phobia even, of showing any form of responsibility," he said.

Nik Nazmi said the Najib-administration should not waste more money and resources or prolong the suffering of the family. Instead, he urged the government to reform the police by implementing the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

He said that the IPCMC is not a conspiracy to weaken the police force but would instead help bring independence to the police to protect Malaysian citizens.

"Another purpose (of the IPCMC) is to ensure that the Kugan tragedy and many other deaths in custody... will not recur," he said.

'Move on'

Meanwhile, DAP vice-chairperson M Kulasegaran also urged the federal government to accept the High Court decision and implement the IPCMC.

If not, he argued, the government would have failed to seize the opportunity to send a public message that it truly recognises the seriousness of the spate of custodial deaths," he said.

"Government’s decision to appeal against Kugan verdict also reflects its failure to understand the public, especially the Indian community’s sentiment.

"The prime minister's call of nambike (trust in me) from the Indian community at an event last year really rings hollow. When will the BN government do what is necessary and right?" he said in a press release yesterday.

High Court judge VT Singham had ruled that there were attempts to cover up Kugan's death and that the IPCMC should be implemented to prevent such incidents from recurring.

The judge also ruled that the federal government must pay RM801,700 in damages to the plaintiff.