Police have consented to the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), according to Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador.

He said the agreement is based on the guarantee that police's powers would not diminish when the commission is established.

Hamid said police's concerns regarding the 1PCMC were cleared following a meeting with Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) director-general Abu Kassim Mohamed in Putrajaya this evening.

He said some 20 top police officers, who attended the meeting, raised various issues regarding the IPCMC.

“I am satisfied with the discussion process. The high-ranking officers gave their views.

“GIACC convinced the police on issues which were of concern...

“In actual fact, IPCMC provides numerous opportunities and space to the police. It does not erode the police's existing powers,” he told reporters after the meeting.

No prosecution powers

Meanwhile, Abu Kassim said the IPCMC would investigate complaints but does not possess prosecution powers.

“In summary, I can say that today's discussion was positive. We will have (another) discussion on technicalities (later).

“In principle, I can say there is no obstacle to the formation of the IPCMC,” he added.

However, Abu Kassim said there are still several issues which must be discussed further in the next week or two.

Once this is completed, he added, the matter would be brought to the cabinet.

Also present at the meeting was Home Ministry chief secretary Alwi Ibrahim.

On the eve of handing over the reins, Hamid's predecessor Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police objected to the IPCMC assuming the police's power to take disciplinary action against its personnel.

“We have about 130,000 serving and 150,000 retired personnel who have objected to the matter.

“The IPCMC wants to take over the power of the Police Commission under Article 140 of the Federal Constitution on issues regarding disciplinary action and investigations.

“We will register our opposition and have written a letter to the government leadership,” he had said.

Source : Malaysiakini

Date : 10/05/2019