New shocking claims made by a former detainee under the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) have only made revoking the detention without charge provision under the controversial law more appropriate than ever.

Human Rights Watch Asia division deputy director Phil Robertson was responding to claims of harsh treatment made by 31-year-old lorry driver K Rishikumar who was released after an 80-day remand.

“It’s time to take away the tools of abuse from the police – starting by revoking the detention without charge provisions of Poca that makes it easy for police to lock away suspects and abuse them.

“Maybe that will finally prompt the police to wake up and listen to the people’s demands that they stop torturing suspects in detention,” said Robertson to Malaysiakini .

Nude dancing, drinking urine and beating were among the alleged tortures six detainees had to undergo in a bid to force them to admit to committing robbery.

Rishikumar, in a press conference by Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) yesterday, claimed he witnessed the torture from the glass partitions of the interrogation rooms at the Selangor police contingent headquarters in Shah Alam.

His brother K Khrisnamurthy, 23, and four friends are still being detained under Poca for another 21 days after their 80-day remand ended.

Selangor police chief Abdul Samah Mat, when contacted by Malaysiakini , yesterday urged Rishikumar to lodge a report against the police over his claims, promising that a thorough and fair investigation will be conducted.

Meanwhile, commenting further on Rishikumar’s claims, Robertson said reports on the matter have shown yet again how torture in custody remained a regular practice by Malaysian police.

“[…] Top leadership from inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar down are looking the other way and letting them get away with it.

“Year in, year out it’s the same – so no one believes Khalid or other police when they say that if people just file complaints, there will be a serious investigation,” said Robertson.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International Malaysia executive director Shamini Darshni ( pix ) said the claims made were only proof why an independent police commission to investigate abuse in police detention is urgently needed.

Although Abdul Samah had ensured a thorough investigation, Shamini said police accountability needs to go a step further.

“The police face a conflict when they have to police themselves, and this means that victims and their families need a body independent of the police force where they are able to seek justice,” she said.

Citing death in custody cases, no one, she noted, has been held responsible.

“Coupled with the recent revelations by Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) detainees on abuse and ill-treatment in prison, the allegations that Rishikumar has brought forward today seem to indicate systemic torture at the hands of the authorities.

“Abuse, ill-treatment and neglect while in detention including police custody are inhumane and utterly barbaric. Such actions must cease at once,” she said.

The government, she added, must ratify the UN Convention Against Torture and demonstrate its commitment to eradicate this “savage behaviour from those entrusted to protect the people”.