NGOs push for RCI over IGP's police cartel claims
Human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have lambasted Deputy Home Minister I Ismail Mohamed Said for saying it's still too early to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe allegations into the existence of a cartel within the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
In a statement, Eliminating Deaths And Abuse In Custody Together (Edict) and Citizen Action Group on Enforced Disappearance (Caged) said Ismail's statement was ridiculous and it's as if the minister was afraid of the expose...
Human rights non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have lambasted Deputy Home Minister I Ismail Mohamed Said for saying it's still too early to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI) to probe allegations into the existence of a cartel within the Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM).
In a statement, Eliminating Deaths And Abuse In Custody Together (Edict) and Citizen Action Group on Enforced Disappearance (Caged) said Ismail's statement was ridiculous and it's as if the minister was afraid of the expose.
"What made him so worried to form an RCI to investigate the allegation? Do politicians involved with the cartel?" they asked.
The statement was also signed by Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) and Saya Anak Bangsa Malaysia (SABM).
They mentioned Section 13(1) of the Criminal Procedure Code which states that every individual has to inform or file a police report if they know of a crime committed.
"Therefore, we urge the IGP (Abdul Hamid Bador) to file a police report and state every detail of officers involved so they can be arrested and charged in court.
"Otherwise, IGP as a public officer who had taken oath will be subjected to Section 181 of the penal code which states that a public officer who makes a false allegation can be jailed up to three years and fine," they said.
Ismail today said the Home Ministry has yet to receive any list of individuals allegedly involved in the activity and that it's still too early to form an RCI.
He said the Police Force Commission, as well as the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department (JIPS), can probe the allegations.
Recently, Hamid claimed that a cartel within the police force had plotted to topple him.
Subsequently, he said the issue was under control and brushed off calls for an RCI.
Meanwhile, the Coalition on Plan of Action for Malaysia applauded IGP's honesty when commenting on the issue of corruption but it urged him to reconsider his position to only investigate the cartel internally.
"[..] The challenge is to restore public trust and confidence in PDRM.
"We, therefore, urge for an independent probe by another agency such as the MACC to be considered seriously.
"We also believe that a Royal Commission of Inquiry should be established with its subsequent findings to be made public," said its chairperson Badlishah Sham Baharin.
Following the revelation, the NGO urged the government to form the Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).
"We believe the IPCMC should be instituted so as to prevent the propriety of the police force from being tarnished by a minority of irresponsible officers," he said.
