Gobind sinks fangs into prison riot report, demands answers from IGP, AG

DAP national chairperson Gobind Singh Deo will raise the damning findings of a Suhakam inquiry panel into a riot at Taiping Prison, which left one inmate dead, at the next cabinet meeting.

The digital minister said the findings paint a harrowing picture of systemic failure, amounting to a blatant violation of basic human rights and the dignity protected under the Federal Constitution.

“In light of these revelations, the inspector-general of police must come forward with full transparency and state clearly how many police reports were lodged over the incident and state exactly what criminal action has been taken against those responsible,” he added.

On the attorney-general, Gobind noted that a culpable homicide not amounting to murder charge was brought against an officer under Section 304(b) of the Penal Code in relation to the death of inmate Gan Chin Eng.

READ MORE: Suaram presses AGC to charge all officers involved in Taiping Prison abuse

“Given the severe nature of the findings by Suhakam, which detailed calculated, group-enforced physical violence on a restrained individual, the AG must clarify why a heavier charge was not preferred.

“Prisoners have rights too. Action in cases where there is abuse in custody must always reflect the abhorrence that the law takes when those empowered to detain abuse that power and where lives are lost as a result,” he added.

Comprehensive reforms needed

Gobind said the case once again underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in prisons and police detention facilities.

“There must be accountability, and this is a case which demands that the law take its full course, notwithstanding the rank of the aggressors involved.

“I will be raising this matter in the cabinet next week. Issues such as medical negligence and the falsification of medical records must be dealt with firmly as well.

“The police and the AG must act, and steps must be taken to ensure that incidents like these do not recur,” he added.

Earlier, DAP lawmaker Lim Lip Eng had also called for firm action to be taken against the prison management and the personnel involved.

Saifuddin urged to disclose probe status

Expressing similar sentiments in a separate statement, MCA Youth information chief Neow Choo Seong stressed that public confidence in enforcement institutions will continue to deteriorate if there is a lack of transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform.

As such, Neow called on Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to immediately disclose the status of investigations, disciplinary actions, and institutional reform measures following Suhakam’s findings.

Neow also pressed Saifuddin to explain how the Home Ministry plans to tackle police brutality, custodial abuse, and misconduct within enforcement agencies.

“MCA Youth also wishes to seek clarification from Housing and Local Government Minister Nga Kor Ming on what actions he intends to take regarding this serious incident, which occurred within his former constituency.

“As a senior cabinet minister and former Taiping MP, will he raise this matter directly with his cabinet colleague Saifuddin? Will (Nga) push for concrete institutional reforms, accountability, and justice for the victims involved?” Neow questioned.

Multiple acts of physical abuse

Yesterday, Suhakam revealed the findings of its inquiry into the riot involving more than 100 inmates in January last year.

The commission found that the riot had been instigated by the prison management and staff themselves.

Suhakam chairperson Hishamudin Yunus said the inquiry panel uncovered multiple acts of physical abuse committed by prison personnel against inmates during the incident, including punching, kicking and pepper-spraying prisoners who were seated in a line with both hands handcuffed.

Hishamudin, who led the panel alongside Suhakam commissioner Farah Nini Dusuki, said prison officers involved in the riot had repeatedly, irresponsibly and indiscriminately assaulted inmates using weapons such as batons, causing severe injuries, including head lacerations and broken limbs.

He further revealed that the inquiry uncovered several instances of negligence in the aftermath of the incident, including delays in medical treatment, misdiagnosis and the misuse of medical examination equipment.

The panel also identified fraudulent documentation in inmates’ medical records.

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