Suhakam decries 'obstruction' in Taiping Prison probe

Summary

• Suhakam condemns the Prison Department for obstructing its investigation into alleged human rights abuses at Taiping Prison, including a custodial death and injuries to inmates.

• It criticises the department for denying access to key witnesses and urged an immediate resolution to uphold transparency and human rights.

The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has condemned what it claims to be the Prison Department’s obstruction of its statutory duty to investigate human rights abuses.

It said its officers were prevented from visiting Taiping Prison and a Batu Gajah Correctional Centre inmate as part of its investigation of alleged human rights violations at the prison on Jan 17.

In a statement today, Suhakam said it was initially granted approval by the Prison Department headquarters, but upon arrival at the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre, its officers were denied access to record an inmate’s testimony.

Suhakam claimed the Prison Department told it to postpone its inquiry pending an ongoing police investigation.

A scheduled visit to Taiping Prison from Feb 12 to 14 was prohibited for the same reason, it added.

Suhakam demanded the Prison Department allow it to proceed with its inquiry without further hindrance, noting that the commission has investigative powers separate from the police.

It also called on the department to explain and give legal justifications for imposing the restrictions.

“Suhakam is concerned that this matter involves a custodial death, and several prisoners were also injured. Their families are rightly concerned, and it would have been in the interest of justice and all parties to have allowed Suhakam access to independently verify the facts [...]

“This issue must be resolved urgently to uphold transparency and ensure the effectiveness of investigations into human rights violations affecting Malaysian citizens. Any obstruction not only compromises the integrity of Suhakam’s work as an independent institution but also undermines Malaysia’s commitment to upholding human rights,” it said.

Previously, the Prison Department confirmed on Jan 27 that an incident took place at Taiping Prison but gave few details, other than it involved provocation by an individual who had since been transferred from the Batu Gajah Correctional Centre to the prison.

On the same day, police said they launched a murder probe over allegations that an inmate died from an assault by prison wardens.

The statements came after lawyer Shamsher Singh Thind claimed that an incident involving over 100 inmates occurred at Taiping Prison on Jan 17, during which one inmate allegedly succumbed to injuries.

He alleged that inmates were tear-gassed and beaten by prison officers, with details of the incident being concealed from their families.

‘Ministry will cooperate’

Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, who oversees the Prison Department, said his ministry would cooperate with investigations.

He told reporters on Tuesday that Suhakam chairperson Hishamudin Yunus had contacted him, and that while his ministry is open to discussions, he cautioned that investigations are still ongoing.

“The police have opened an investigation and are recording statements from all relevant parties, including potential suspects and on-duty prison officers.

“This is a comprehensive probe and remains active,” the New Straits Times quoted him as saying.

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