Amnesty International Malaysia today welcomed the initiative taken by the Royal Malaysian Police to introduce new Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) on arrest and questioning of detainees.

However, the human rights group said it remains critical on the application of any change to the arrest and detention procedure as there is a lack of independent monitoring mechanism.

k shan "We believe that the implementation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) is crucial to ensure all procedures are well implemented and observed at all time," noted its campaigns coordinator K Shan in a statement.

"It also gives the public an avenue to address abuse of power and misconduct hence provide a collective and inclusive mechanism to improve policing and compliance with prescribed rules and regulations.

"AI Malaysia calls on the government to implement the draft IPCMC Bill as proposed by the Royal Commission immediately," he added.

As for the introduction of the new SOP, Shan said AI Malaysia views it as a positive step to address critical reforms needed on policing in Malaysia and ensure compliance with the criminal procedure code and rule of law.

"Non compliance and gross disregard to comprehensive procedures have created a climate of impunity giving rise to serious human rights violations by the police," he said.

Video recordings of suspects

AI Malaysia also called upon the inspector-general of police to adopt the existing draft Code of Practice Relating to the Arrest and Detention of Persons as recommended and proposed by the Royal Commission in its 2005 report.

The Code of Practice, Shan said, was a good example of best practice and is comprehensive as it also covers aspects of arrest, investigation and detention based on various best practices from numerous progressive policing jurisdictions.

kugan ananthan funeral 230109 Recently, the death of 23-year-old police detainee Kugan Ananthan made headlines after a video clip taken at the mortuary revealed severe lacerations on his body

The attorney-general subsequently classified the case as murder.

One of the most significant changes to the interrogation procedures now is the requirement that a video recording of a suspect be made before and after he or she is questioned.

Another requirement is that every time a new team of police personnel take over the questioning of a suspect, they are to note down his or her physical condition in three different books or files.

Rampant police shootings

Meanwhile, AI Malaysia also expressed concern over the rampant cases of police shootings in recent months, with the latest being the fatal shooting of six armed robbers in Kedah two days ago.

"We fear that fatal shooting in the course of policing has become a norm and a standard practice by looking at the increase in the numbers of police shootings in recent months," said Shan.

bad police officers "The United Nations' Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials stipulates that enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means in securing an arrest. The UN Principles also stipulates that whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law enforcement officials shall:

"(a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and the legitimate objective to be achieved; (b) Minimise damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life; and, (c) Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected persons at the earliest possible moment," he added.

In view of this, Shan said AI Malaysia urges the government to takes measures to address the concerns of the fundamental rights to life and the presumption of innocence.

"It is time for the government to seriously consider the UN recommendations to a development of non-lethal incapacitating weapons for use in appropriate situations, with a view to restrain application of means capable of causing death or injury to persons," he said.

"AI Malaysia views that policing in Malaysia must include and observe a higher standard of human rights compliance.

"A change in the attitude and operational standards must clearly reflect and demonstrate human rights compliance to the confidence of the general public and to the expectation of a professional, credible and human rights complying police service," he added.