We need IPCMC, Coroners Act now, Malaysian Bar stresses as Ganapathy’s passing puts s

[superadmin]

We need IPCMC, Coroners Act now, Malaysian Bar stresses as Ganapathy’s passing puts spotlight on deaths in custody

KUALA LUMPUR, May 1 — The Malaysian Bar has urged the federal government to take decisive action into the phenomenon of custodial deaths in Malaysia, saying that the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) must be formed as soon as possible.

Its president AG Kalidas said an immediate and independent investigation and inquest into the death of cow milk trader A. Ganapathy must be conducted, following his death on April 18 at Selayang Hospital.

“Unabated deaths in custody have led to an erosion of confidence in law enforcement authorities. It is therefore incumbent on such authorities, including the police, to ensure that the confidence instilled in them by those they are tasked to protect, is safeguarded and deserved,” he said in a statement.

Referring to news reports, Kalidas said Ganapathy had spent 12 days in police custody before being released and subsequently admitted to Selayang Hospital.

- More -