Suaram renews call for IPCMC after alleged teen rape by cop

A recent alleged rape of a teenager by a police inspector is an example of why the country needs to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), according to Suaram.

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy (above) said this was not the first time police officers have been accused of rape and sexual harassment, and expressed concern that it would continue due to alleged impunity.

"Rape cases such as this incident are among matters that need the IPCMC, which was something that civil society organisations had fought for.

"In the context of the existing Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCC), this body does not have the appropriate investigating and enforcement powers. Findings from any investigation by IPCC would only be referred to the Police Commission but the Police Commission has no obligation to implement IPCC suggestions or report back to IPCC.

"Suaram calls the new government to hold a meeting with civil society organisations towards reviewing the existing IPCC Act, either to replace it with IPCMC or to include elements of an independent commission that give IPCC the powers to investigate and enforce the law," Sevan said in a statement today.

Yesterday, it was reported that police arrested an investigating officer in Kedah after a 16-year-old girl lodged a report that she was raped by the cop at his office on Dec 28.

The incident allegedly happened when the girl was called by the police inspector to appear for a statement recording over another rape incident, where she had allegedly been raped by her stepfather.

Sevan also urged that police conduct a transparent investigation against the inspector and update the public on every development of the case.

"This case also should not result in the officer only getting disciplinary action, he must be charged in court," he said.

Suaram also called for the police to review their standard operating procedures on the handling of rape and sexual harassment cases by their officers.

Violation of procedures

Meanwhile, several women politicians have also come forward to call out the police on the apparent flaw in its procedures for handling rape victims during an investigation.

They questioned how the teenager could be left alone with a male officer without being accompanied by any female cop.

Bukit Bendera MP Syerleena Abdul Rashid said there are proper procedures in place for cases involving children, including a special guideline for handling of sexual offences against children.

“According to reports, the victim was asked to lay down and let the male officer perform checks on her, after which she was asked to take off her clothes.

“Was this part of police investigation procedures, where such things can be conducted with the presence of a medical officer or a female officer? How could a male officer be allowed to be alone with the victim?

“This is illogical and has to be investigated thoroughly,” she said in a statement.

The sentiment was echoed by MCA Young Women Bureau chief Ivone Low Yi Wen, who said authorities must protect the safety and privacy of victims, including from further harm.

“In the event that body checks are necessary, such procedures must be done at a medical facility by trained medical personnel and in the presence of other female personnel and police officers.

“Such checks as what happened in this incident must never happen again in the future, where a male officer could perform body checks alone,” she said.

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