Concerned over the rising reports of abusive treatments endured by police detainees, the Malaysian Bar Council today demanded an immediate probe into the allegations.

Its president Yeoh Yang Poh said an independent, thorough and transparent investigation must be held into each allegation to ensure that such abuses are curbed.

"Promises of immediate action will no longer do. An internal or closed-door investigations will also not suffice.

"A transparent, thorough and transparent investigation must be immediately held into each and every one of the allegations of police abuse, and must be expeditiously completed," he added in a press statement.

He also questioned why the Royal Police Commission's recommendation to set up an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) - to deal with allegations of police abuse - has not been implemented.

"The Bar Council sees no reason why the IPCMC should not be immediately set up. The nation should not be asked to wait any longer, while horrifying tales continue to be told.

"The suffering of victims of abuse cannot be allowed to go on," he said.

Yeoh was responding to a spate of police abuse cases reported in the media, including complaints by several women from China.

Contemptible abuse

He said such incidents had once again raised "dark and serious questions on police misconduct".

"These are only a few episodes that have recently surfaced, thanks to the courage of those persons who spoke out, One cannot help but wonder how huge is the size of this iceberg," he added.

Yeoh said that mere promises were not enough to effectively eradicate abuse and misconduct within the police force.

"Speaking of political will, or the will within the police force, to eradicate abuse and misconduct, is not enough.

"This will must be promptly illustrated by, and translated into actual practice. This time the authorities must act differently, decisively and convincingly," he added