AN independent police complaints and misconduct commission (IPCMC) must be set up to address the loss of public confidence in the police force, said a veterans association and the G25 group of retired civil servants.

Their statements came after the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) yesterday revealed that the Special Branch was responsible for the disappearances of Pastor Raymond Koh and Perlis Hope founder Amri Che Mat.

The National Patriot Association (Patriot) and G25 Malaysia said the Suhakam findings “have further eroded public confidence in the police force where past missteps and bad governance during the previous administration have yet to be redeemed”.

The groups urged the police to address the findings in an “open and truthful” manner in order to protect the integrity of the force.

“While Patriot and G25 appreciate the sacrifice and dedication of our security forces to their duties, they must also be made accountable for miscarriage of justice.

“This is in line with the institutional reforms for a responsible government as promised in the Pakatan Harapan election manifesto,” the groups said in a joint statement.

“We strongly believe that the government should establish the IPCMC without further delay so that there is an independent body with close oversight of police functions and which can conduct an immediate inquiry into incidents that give rise to concerns over abuse of police powers.”

The statement also noted that the IPCMC must be tasked with investigating the deaths of detainees in lock-up cells as well as police shootings of suspects.

“All police forces in advanced countries have such a system of monitoring and verification to give confidence to the public that their interests against abuse of power are safeguarded.”

The groups also urged Pakatan Harapan leaders to seriously start implementing reforms to allow for check and balance measures against any possible mis-governance by future ruling parties or coalitions.

“Enforced disappearance must never ever happen again. Every single person, including those who oppose and dissent, critics, colour or creed, is important,” it said.

Suhakam commissioner Mah Weng Kwai said yesterday that Koh and Amri were snatched by Bukit Aman’s Special Branch more than three years ago and were never seen again.

Following the release of Suhakam’s report, the families said they will file a civil suit if the authorities fail to act on the inquiry’s findings in six months. – April 4, 2019