KAJANG: Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has assured that investigations on custodial deaths will be conducted simultaneously by the Bukit Aman police special committee and the Enforcement Agencies Integrity Commission (EAIC).

“The investigation by the EAIC and an internal inquiry (by the special committee) will be conducted as soon as possible,” he told a press conference held during his inaugural visit to the Prison Department headquarters today.

Zahid also assured investigations will be conducted without fear or favour against police personnel who abused their power.

“We would not side the perpetrators,” he said in the wake of criticisms against the special committee on custodial deaths.

On Tuesday, the formation of a special committee led by Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar to curb deaths in police lock ups was announced in Bukit Aman.

The committee that is expected to start functioning soon will among others, monitor the safety aspects and health condition of those detained by police in lock ups.

Central lock ups in five locations have already been equipped with CCTV cameras, intercom, lawyers room, court room, identification parade room for suspects and a pantry.

Yesterday, Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo pointed out that previous recommendations including Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to curb custodial deaths had been brushed aside.

PAS central commitee member Dzulkefly Ahmad criticised the idea of Khalid leading the committee as he (Khalid) would be in favour of the police force.

On Wednesday, PKR vice-president N Surendran who is also the legal counsel for N Dhamendran’s family criticised the move as an attempt to cover up Dhamendran’s death.

He also questioned Khalid’s competency to lead the special committee.

While commending the move, Malaysian Bar president Christopher Leong reiterated calls for the IPCMC and formation of a Coroner’s Court.

‘I answer to PM, not students’

Meanwhile, in response to another question Ahmad Zahid said that student NGOs had no right in deciding his position as the home minister.

Solidariti Anak Muda Malaysia is marching from the Putrajaya mosque this afternoon to the Home Ministry demanding Ahmad Zahid’s resignation and a makeover in the police force.

“I am not answerable to them. I am answerable to the prime minister. However I welcome their views on the police force’s image.

“The IGP is reviving the force’s image,” said Ahmad Zahid.

Sumber :  Free Malaysia Today