Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission

Categories: Malaysia

The Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Bakri Omar rejected the adoption of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) in a speech marking the 199th Police Day celebrations. The setting up of the IPCMC is one of the recommendations made by the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the Royal Malaysian Police. This follows a spate of bad publicities on the country's Police, one of which was the Balai Polis video clips. In his speech, he said he had recommended to the Government that the Police Force Commission, which was created under Article 140 of the Federal Constitution, should continue to oversee police officers and personnel discipline.

The speech by the IGP is indeed surprising. Not only because of the rejection itself, but by the fact that Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi had already given an "in-principle" agreement on the setting up of the IPCMC on 24th January 2006. It further questions whether the Police do have something to hide.

The IGP must first realised that he is a civil servant appointed by the government - a political establishment. And the head of this political establishment is the Prime Minister, who in this case is also the Internal Security Minister; his direct boss. Therefore the IGP must not forgets that he is answerable to the Government. Even if he disagrees, he will have to abide by the Government's decision until a decision is made through behind-the-scenes negotiations with the Government.

PM Abdullah Badawi, known for his gentlemanly style, had hinted subtly that the implementation of the IPCMC is good for the Police because "When the situation reaches a stage where the public no longer cares about what the police do or whatever the force wishes to cover up, then (it means) the public no longer cares about the force and that spells trouble". What words of wisdom. Put another way: when there is a lack of trust, the Police will lost its authority. Therefore adopting the IPCMC will improve whatever little trust the public have of the Police, which can only be good. On the other hand, rejecting the proposals, reinforced the feeling that the Police do have something to hide!

The IGP's stand is not surprising given that he has to protect his fellowman - rightly or wrongly. However what is more surprising is why some ruling MP voiced their objections. This is despite Parliament as a body was very supportive of the Royal Commission when it was first set up. Many spoke out (which included MPs) in support of Pak Lah's great vision to rid our country of bad police. Their sudden change of hearts had raised questions of whether their postal votes may have played a part.

Finally, when the IPCMC is indeed implemented, it must be seen to be independant and fair. If must be daring enough to ask tough and embarrassing questions and make painful recommendations if needed. Therefore it is important for the Commission to be made up of people of good standings in politics (from both the government and the opposition), Suhakam (The Human Rights Commission), community leaders and top Government officials. Only then will the people have faith in IPCMC. Otherwise if the Police are cleared by the Commission, doubts will remain and the public will adopt "I told you so" attitude.