The formation for the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) is a national pride as it will 'clean' the police force's name, said a backbencher today.

"The function of the IPCMC is not to belittle the police but to help the police aim higher and achieve more," said Wong Nai Chee (BN-Kota Melaka - photo right) in his debate to thank the royal address.

He said the IPCMC is not to ignore the contribution of the force as there are only a small number of 'black sheep'.

Citing the custodial deaths revealed in the Human Rights Commission Malaysia (Suhakam) annual report, he said the IPCMC was needed to rectify it.

At this juncture, Madius Tangau (BN-Tuaran) interjected and asked his opinion about the existing mechanisms that would enable, for instance Suhakam, to check on the force.

Answering, Wong said Suhakam does not have enforcement power and thus an independent body with enforcement power like IPCMC is needed.

He said the government does not have to set up any other royal commission such as the Police Royal Commission and the special commission to investigate the infamous video-clip should the IPCMC is formed.

Wong who is also a MCA Youth committee member was the only BN parliamentarian thus far to express his support for the IPCMC in the House.

Backbenchers from Umno had voiced their strong objections against the police watchdog since this parliamentary session reconvened last week.

Police should not fear

He however said the police should be represented in the proposed commission.

"This will ensure that their voice is heard," he said.

He also said it is not necessary to table a report compiling the cases and findings of the IPCMC to Parliament in future.

"Tabling the IPCMC annual report alone is sufficient. Instead we should send the findings to the minister so he can give directive to the police to take further action," he said.

Met later, Wong reiterated that the police should not fear the IPCMC if they have done nothing wrong.

"I am not shooting down the existing mechanism. The mechanism now doesn't satisfy the demand of the people. If we shoot down the IPCMC, we will remain where we are. We won't go any further than that," he said.

On those backbenchers who oppose the IPCMC, Wong said the MPs should respect each other's views.

Political will

Met earlier in the Parliament lobby, MCA Youth chief Liow Tiong Lai said the movement will support a mechanism to receive and respond to the people's complaints against the police.

"Actions must be taken against the police if there are complaints. Whether it's in the form of IPCMC is not important," he said.

Meanwhile, IPCMC continued to be a hot debate topic in the House today.

Chow Kon Yeow (DAP-Tanjong) described the opposition from the BN MPs to set up the IPCMC as a "big test" to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's political will.

At this juncture, Badruddin Amiruldin (BN-Jerai) interjected and said since the IPCMC was merely a proposal, the backbenchers' alternative view should not be wrongly interpreted as "against" the premier.

Replying, Chow told the Jerai MP: "We just want to let the prime minister know he is not alone in this struggle." His DAP colleagues thumped the table to support the answer.

Teresa Kok (DAP-Seputeh) in her debate said MPs are subjected to a check and balance mechanism - where they will be 'punished' by rival political parties and the people should they commit any form of misconduct.

"Our problem now is we don't have an external mechanism that could 'check and balance' our police force while existing external mechanism like the public complaint bureau, anti-corruption agency and the human rights commission are merely 'toothless tigers'," she added.

Kok also argued that the BN backbenchers have clearly gone against the prime minister's determination.

"This shows that the prime minister is 'very alone' in his political struggle because Umno politicians have disappointed him and obstructing his reform agenda?" Kok said.

Fong Kui Lun (DAP-Bukit Bintang) said if the IPCMC is not set up, the public will be discouraged from lodging complaint against the police force and alleged irregularities within the force will prevail.