PM defends authorities as calls renew for IPCMC, accountability

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has leapt to the defence of enforcement agencies, amid widespread calls for better accountability mechanisms following public outcry over allegations of power abuse and misconduct.

Speaking in the Dewan Negara today, Anwar asserted that the overall RM15.5 billion collected this year by such agencies via seizures, forfeitures, and penalty collections is a testament to how integrity remains a cornerstone for enforcement authorities.

The prime minister argued that the figure, which he said is the biggest in the nation’s history, demonstrates that enforcement agencies under the current government have managed to address previous “laxity and loopholes”.

“How else could a country suddenly be capable of collecting RM15.5 billion from illicit activities, corruption, smuggling, and the like?” Anwar said in response to a query from Senator Amir Ghazali.

The senator had requested the prime minister to state the government’s measures to strengthen the integrity and transparency of law enforcement in order to curb abuse of power and leaks within such agencies, including the police.

The question comes amid mounting demands for the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), with various quarters reiterating criticisms of the current “toothless” Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC).

The push for the IPCMC garnered significant traction over recent weeks in the wake of several incidents, including the police’s fatal shooting of three suspects in Durian Tunggal, Malacca, with the men’s families accusing police of committing murder.

READ MORE: Sexual assault survivor's claim of police 'mishandling' fuels IPCMC push

In his response today, Anwar said that while there are some “undeniable shortcomings” in terms of action taken by enforcement agencies, it would be “unfair” to give a negative portrayal of such authorities, “especially towards the inspector-general of police (IGP).”

“The police have recorded seizure values amounting to nearly RM4 billion… They have demonstrated their capabilities through integrity processes and secured large amounts of funds for the country (by way of) their action against criminals and smugglers.

“(But), if there are incidents of excesses in police conduct, thorough investigations will still be carried out,” Anwar assured.

Deaths ‘properly investigated’

Referencing the Durian Tunggal shooting, the prime minister said the deaths of the trio, “regarded as hardcore criminals”, had been properly investigated before an investigation report was submitted to the Attorney-General’s Chambers today.

“I have been assured by the IGP and (Bukit Aman’s) Criminal Investigation Department director that the investigations were comprehensive and transparent with no compromise,” Anwar said.

He added that while police misconduct cannot be ignored, such deeds should be distinguished from actions carried out against hardcore criminals, citing several instances where police officers were injured in the line of duty.

“While we demand that the police carry out their duties carefully and in accordance with the law, we must not give the impression that we are weak or tolerant towards hardcore criminals who are roaming about freely,” Anwar stressed.

Yesterday, a lawyer representing the families of the three men killed in Durian Tunggal called for Malacca police chief Dzulkhairi Mukhtar to be placed on garden leave immediately, following the latter’s “completely false and illogical” claims against the wife of one of the victims.

Dzulkhairi’s claim that M Jayashree had an extensive criminal record was lambasted by her lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan, who accused the state’s top police officer of “character assassination”.

Rajesh had also criticised Dzulkhairi for “unnecessary disclosure of personal information” after the latter asserted that Jayashree was not legally married to the man she claimed to be the wife of, and that the victim instead had another wife in Johor.

Downplaying Indian custodial deaths

Anwar today appeared to downplay the severity of Indian custodial deaths.

“I have heard, and I believe most senators have heard, that the majority of deaths in custody since 2024 were of one race, but the reality is otherwise,” he said.

He said since the IPCC was established in 2024, there have been 57 deaths in custody, of which the majority were Malays (25 deaths), followed by migrants (15), Chinese (nine), Indians (four) and Sabah and Sarawak bumiputera (four).

The numbers cited by Anwar match past statistics on custodial deaths, in which Malays make up the majority.

However, statistically, the number of Indian deaths in custody is often disproportionate compared to the population size.

In 2018, an analysis by Malaysiakini found that almost a quarter of custodial deaths were Indians, despite the community making up less than seven percent of the Malaysian population.

READ MORE: Reporting deaths in police custody: Behind the numbers

Commenting on concerns regarding the MACC’s integrity, Anwar repeated his claim that while the graft busters appear to be selectively criticised, it continues to perform its duties for the betterment of the nation.

“The MACC has recorded forfeitures exceeding RM8 billion. As we know, several issues linked to politics have been publicised, but firm actions taken by the MACC against corrupt individuals, or those regarded as major corrupt figures, do not always receive support.

“In fact, there have been defences mounted, including by members of the Dewan Rakyat,” Anwar said without detailing his jab to a specific lawmaker.

Protection for whistleblowers exists, but…

When pressed on whether the protection afforded to whistleblowers is indeed guaranteed under existing legal provisions, the prime minister answered in the affirmative, but highlighted that such protections need not be extended to those guilty of corruption themselves.

“There is confusion in our country today. Robbers and corrupt individuals are now also being labelled as whistleblowers and turned into heroes. This is a problem.

“If someone steals RM1 billion and then says he will cooperate with the MACC to recover RM100, that is a hardened criminal, not a whistleblower,” Anwar said, likening the situation to letting a killer go free if he works together with authorities.

He also said there now exists a “culture,” even among politicians themselves, where “individuals who openly admit to bribing political leaders” are glorified.

“We must distinguish between genuine whistleblowers, who must be defended and protected, and hardened criminals who cloak themselves under the name of whistleblower,” the prime minister emphasised.

When asked by Senator Abun Sui Anyit whether the government intends to amend the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 to prevent abuse, Anwar said a bill on the matter is expected to be tabled early next year to establish a clear framework distinguishing between whistleblowers and criminal offenders.

The remarks echo previous notions Anwar had conveyed amid pressure to take a tougher stance against corruption. Most recently, during a speech at the Works Ministry’s monthly assembly in Kuala Lumpur, he had lamented a trend of “glorifying” those who give bribes.

In the dock

The speech came after his former political secretary, Shamsul Iskandar Akin, claimed trial to five graft charges for allegedly receiving bribes from businessperson Albert Tei to help the latter secure mining exploration licences in Sabah.

Since last November, Tei has been on a warpath to take down politicians whom he allegedly gave money to for mineral exploration licences in Sabah, which he did not end up getting.

Tei’s lawyer, Mahajoth Singh, had argued that his client should be “rewarded” for exposing corruption at great personal risk, while former MACC chief commissioner Latheefa Koya said prosecuting informants is not a “serious way” to tackle corruption.

However, current chief commissioner Azam Baki has stated that Tei is not considered a whistleblower eligible for protection under the Whistleblower Protection Act 2010 because he was actively involved in corrupt transactions.

Malacca shooting probe: PN MPs warn state's top cop not to undermine witness

Cops not questioned, Malacca shooting probe at risk: Lawyers

Malacca shooting: Phone that recorded damning audio handed to cops

Lawyers tell Malacca police to focus on alleged killer cops, not dress code

Debate over police reforms reignites after fatal Malacca shooting

Shamsul, Albert plead not guilty to RM64,924 bribe charges

Azam defends raid at Albert's house, maintains 'evidence' seized lawfully

PN lawmaker flags integrity concerns over MACC's raid, arrest of Albert

'Extending Azam's tenure will damage what's left of Harapan's credibility'