YOURSAY | ‘Regardless of rank or position, those in authority must face justice.’

PM’s reminder on transparent probe suggests systemic failures

Apanama is back: Systemic failures have persisted for decades. This is why the late former prime minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi established a royal commission of inquiry (RCI) in 2004 to address public concerns about the Royal Malaysia Police.

The Royal Commission to Enhance the Operations and Management of the Royal Malaysia Police, often called the Dzaiddin RCI after its chairperson, former chief justice Dzaiddin Abdullah, was formed due to widespread public perception of corruption, inefficiency, and allegations of abuse and deaths in custody.

The commission published its report in 2005, making 125 recommendations. The most significant was the establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to provide external civilian oversight.

However, the IPCMC faced strong opposition from the police force and lawmakers. Abdullah administration instead formed the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), which critics described as “cosmetic”.

The EAIC can investigate but only recommend action, not prosecute. The IPCMC, by contrast, would have prosecutorial powers.

Dzaiddin RCI’s recommendations were never fully implemented. Two decades later, the debate over the need for a genuinely independent oversight body continues.

Any administration has neither the courage nor the willpower to tackle extrajudicial killings and deaths in custody by forming the IPCMC, fearing the loss of police votes. Are police votes more important than the lives of Malaysians, especially Indian Malaysians? Perhaps it is so, in this so-called “land of endless possibilities”.

Prime ministers will continue offering lip service with phrases like “without fear or favour investigation”, “transparent investigation”, “high integrity investigation”, or “no stone unturned investigation”. Yet, none will dare to form the IPCMC. It won’t happen in the foreseeable future.

Thus, Malaysians must learn to live with extrajudicial killings and deaths in custody. It could happen to anyone. The system is rotten, and we are living in a dangerous environment. Even this so-called “transparent investigation” will likely end as an “insufficient evidence” case.

Bobbyo: The Malacca police chief protected his men, claiming they had no choice as they were attacked with a machete. But dead men tell no tales. A CD related to the shooting incident has been handed over to the police, showing damning evidence.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, instead of demanding the truth, merely made another political request.

Please stop protecting corrupt or rogue enforcement officers. This is not the time for “I scratch your back, you scratch mine.” Remember your promises to uphold the law and clean up corruption. Regardless of rank or position, those in authority must face justice.

Stop playing politics. Have the Sabah election taught you nothing?

Iamnotarobot: If the police are truly guilty, many questions arise. Are minorities more vocal? Are they at higher risk of being targeted? Or are they more involved in crime? Whatever the reason, this raises serious concerns.

On the demand for transparency, there must also be an inquiry into the Masjid India temple matter. Anwar has put his foot down regarding the land controversy at Jalan Masjid India, saying the matter must be handled according to the rule of law.

From its humble beginnings to its relocation, the narrative remains vague. The Kuala Lumpur City Hall has not explained the issue clearly.

A new land was given, but branding the temple “illegal” is unacceptable. The public, including donors from abroad, contributed to the temple.

This vagueness and lack of explanation have created confusion between the minority and majority communities. The issue remains unresolved.

Cynic: I can't help but laugh at the parody unfolding here. The prime minister has instructed the IGP to carry out a transparent enquiry and submit a detailed report to the home minister. The instructions did not mention a copy of the report to be submitted to the premier.

I am not concerned about the transparency of all three of these officials. All three have shown themselves to be transparent as glass during their tenure. It's the competency of the officials and the conclusion they may arrive at in this investigation.

Judging by their calibre and competency, I very much doubt it.

BusinessFirst: Another meaningless platitude that goes nowhere. Granted, the current system is something he inherited. But if the prime minister thinks that his fiat is sufficient to get things done, he is either delusional or completely unaware of what governance is.

It is not about the right thing to say; it is actually about delivering. What could he have done?

Well, pluck several low-hanging fruits. He could start by appointing the right people or removing the wrong.

So, in essence, the criticism of Anwar as just a poser, all talk, no action, is gaining traction. People inclined to give him a chance have regretted it.

Anwar's announcement for transparency is like standing in front of the beach and ordering the tide back. Sorry, if you want to hold the tide back, words do not work. You need to build a dam.

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