PUTRAJAYA: After years of resisting calls for an independent oversight body, police today agreed to the establishment of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

This followed the latest meeting between police and the National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC), the home ministry and the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC).

Three previous discussions with the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) were conducted together with the Bar Council, the ministry, the Attorney-General’s Chambers and the Public Service Department (JPA) in November last year.

Police, in general, agreed with the Cabinet’s decision to set up the oversight body.

GIACC director-general Abu Kassim Mohamed said today’s meeting was attended by representatives of all relevant departments of the police force.

Kassim said the discussions were “very positive” and support was given to the government to set up the IPCMC.

He said the discussions touched on concerns raised by the police. This included questions on whether the IPCMC will have prosecution powers.

“Actually, IPCMC’s role will not go beyond its powers as a disciplinary body. It will not have prosecution powers for criminal cases and other cases, other than those dealing with discipline (tatatertib).”

He added that the secretary of the EAIC, who drafted the Cabinet paper, had explained the matter to the police representatives.

“The Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS) in the police force still has the role to investigate.

“The IPCMC will not take away any of its powers to carry out investigations,” Kassim added.

He said both JIPS and IPCMC will be involved in investigations.

“PDRM will carry out the investigations. If complaints are made to the IPCMC, then IPCMC will also be able to investigate.”

Kassim said the department overseeing police matters at present under the EAIC will be transformed into IPCMC.

There will be a technical discussion with the police on a few adjustments to the draft bill. Feedback will also be sought from relevant agencies before it is presented to the Cabinet before or after Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador said he was “very satisfied” with the discussions this afternoon.

“The top officials representing departments and associations at PDRM have been given ample opportunity to lend their views and bring up matters they are not satisfied with.

“All views and matters brought up have been given clear explanations,” he told reporters.

He said previous police concerns were far from the truth.

“Actually, the IPCMC gives a lot of space and opportunity to the PDRM. It does not in any way reduce the powers of the police.

“Through the IPCMC, integrity can be made a priority for the police force.”

Last September, the Cabinet agreed to form the IPCMC, a move which was opposed by former IGP Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

Source : Freemalaysiatoday

Date : 10/05/2019