Human Resources Minister Dr S Subramaniam today said the police must interrogate suspects in a professional manner.

He said while he appreciated the efforts by the police to reduce crime rate in the country and to solve cases, the police should ensure that this was done in a manner which does not infringe the fundamental human rights of anyone.

dr s subramaniam interview 210308 "The capabilities of the interrogation and investigation personnel in the police force should be enhanced to ensure that they be accountable and be professional in the conduct of the investigations at all times," he said in a statement.

Subramaniam, who is also the MIC secretary-general, said strict compliance to investigation procedures must be met so as to uphold the legal maxim that one is innocent until proven guilty.

More Indian cops needed

He said the government and MIC would continue and step up their efforts in combating the increasing crime rate amongst Indian youths through educational, training and self enhancement interventions.

He added that this could also be achieved through a bigger representation of Indians in the police force at all levels.

Subramaniam said he will raise this matter in the cabinet.

kugan ananthan funeral 230109 The minister was responding to the controversy surrounding the latest death in police custody involving a 22-year-old youth Kugan Ananthan.

He said the death had raised public sentiments among all Malaysians.

"This case should be investigated and resolved quickly in a just, fair and transparent manner and the culprits who ever it may be must be dealt with in accordance with the law," he said.

Kugan, who was detained in connection with the theft of luxury cars, died while being held at the Taipan police station on Tuesday.

Following a massive public outcry, Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail classified the case as murder while Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan said the police would be conducting a through probe.

Several quarters, including MIC, had called for an independent probe into Kugan's death.