The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has submitted 34 cases pertaining to the police force to Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan asking for speedy action.

According to commissioner N Siva Subramaniam, these include cases where rights were violated during the course of duty, police brutality and deaths in custody.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuala Lumpur today, he said so far the police have responded to 16 cases.

"The police informed us that those related to the cases have been taken to court. They also told us that certain cases must be brought to the civil court to be settled.

"As for the cases which we did not receive any feedback, they will be referred to the IGP again," he added.

Deaths in custody

Siva said of the cases, were three that received widespread media coverage. These are the death of Samiyati Irdayani in the Wangsa Maju police lock-up, another detainee known as Suresh who allegedly hanged himself while detained at a police station in Rawang and the death of Illias Othman when in custody of the Kelantan police.

"For Samiyati's case, the police said the matter has been referred to the deputy public prosecutor's office and an inquest is underway. The same goes for Suresh's case," said Siva.

In the Illias case, he said, the IGP said that the victim did not die because he was beaten by police personnel.

According to the police, Illias died after he was allegedly beaten by hospital attendants who attempted to restrain him when he ran amok.

"Five hospital attendants have been charged. This shows that the police have taken action against those involved," said the Suhakam commissioner.