Amnesty International (Malaysia) today reiterated its call for the setting up of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

"AI (Malaysia) believes that the best prospects for the creation and long-term maintenance of a professional, human rights-based policing lies in a balance of internal and external accountability systems," said its director Josef Roy Benedict in a statement.

He also stressed on the need to sustain effort towards police reform and accountability.

"One year after a Royal Commission submitted extensive recommendations to improve the operation and management of the police, the government should reiterate its commitment to the reform process," he said.

The commission was set-up following the instructions of Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to provide suggestions on improving the image of the police force.

The IPCMC was among its 125 recommendations. The proposal was lauded by civil society groups and opposition parties.

Despite being given the green light by the premier, the recommendation met with stiff resistance from the police and several Umno politicians.

According to Abdullah, the recommendation is now being studied by the Attorney-General's Chambers.

Collaborative interaction

Meanwhile, Benedict said the police have a duty to their profession and to the society they protect to incorporate human rights principles into their code of conduct and operational procedures.

These principles, he added, should be upheld through a collaborative interaction of transparent internal disciplinary procedures and an independent external body able to investigate complaints.

The external body should be able to refer its findings to the Attorney-General for criminal prosecution or to the Inspector-General of Police for disciplinary action, he said.

Benedict also stressed on the importance of internal accountability.

"While external oversight is indeed essential, so also is a culture of internal police accountability," he said.

"Every police officer, through a chain of command control, supervision and effective disciplinary proceedings, must be able to take up and exercise responsibility for the maintenance of the best traditions of their profession," he added.