SUARAM has endlessly called upon the Royal Malaysian Police
to exercise greater professionalism and accountability in upholding
fundamental human rights and in its case management but it all seems to
falls on deaf ears.
It is with regret to note recurring deaths in custody under the
supervision of the police. Through SUARAM documentation, the figure of
deaths in 2012 so far speaks little on any meaningful police reforms.
The cases, on 7th September 2012, Tienthong Chaipaniya, died at Balai Polis Taman Johor Jaya.
On 10th September 2012, Chandran Perumalu, 47, died at IPD Dang Wangi, Kuala Lumpur.
On 23rd August 2012, Lagan Dollah AK Gaong, 59, died at Balai Polis Pusat Miri.
On 13th August 2012, Cheah Chin Lee, 36, died at the lockup of Jalan Patani Northeast police station.
On 29th May 2012, Isparan a/l Supramaniam’s died at Sungai Siput Police
station. SUARAM believes that these are only a handful of cases which
was reported for public consumption.
How to explain such a series of deaths?
Every individual’s right to life is guaranteed under the Federal
Constitution. Article 5 provides that “…No person shall be deprived of
his life or personal liberty save in accordance with the law…”.
Similarly, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
provides that “…Everyone has the right to life, to be free and to feel
safe…”
In a report by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Malaysia, more than 2000
deaths in custody were reported from year 2000 to 2009. It is estimated
from the figures that there are at least 2 deaths in every 3 days
occurring in the backyard of our police stations. According to the
Lockup Rules 1958, police officer on duty has the responsibility to
ensure the health of detainees and the conditions of lockup in the
station. The said officer is also required to record in details every
action and tasks performed on a daily basis.
The existing laws and regulations have been abused and modified to
justify police misconducts beyond recognition. SUARAM strongly
recommends the following; police must not be allowed to investigate
their peers in cases of death in custody; an independent inquest to be
automatic upon a death and expedient in case management; and the
immediate implementation of Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct
Commission (IPCMC) for a transparent and independent probe into cases
of misconducts and negligence.
Until and unless the police takes on the ‘challenge’ to be more
professional and accountable, the rakyat will see no end in death
statistics.
- SUARAM
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