POLICE will meet the Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) chief to discuss the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), said Muhyiddin Yassin.

The home minister said the meeting between the force and GIACC director-general Abu Kassim Mohamed was called after police expressed uneasiness with suggestions that IPCMC should take charge of disciplinary cases involving officers.

“I am aware of the grievances by police. There are things that they are concerned about, and that is why there will be a special meeting with Abu Kassim from GIACC soon.

“Abu Kassim will be able to explain IPCMC to police. Both parties will be able to exchange views, and I need to emphasise that we are not trying to exclude the force by implementing IPCMC,” he said after an event in Kuala Lumpur this morning.

Yesterday, outgoing inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said senior officers reject suggestions that IPCMC take charge of disciplinary cases involving the force.

He said police have registered their objections in a memo to the Prime Minister’s Office.

“This issue has gotten the attention of serving, as well as retired, officers. Many disagree with some of the suggestions, including allowing IPCMC to take charge of disciplinary issues.

“In fact, we have already sent a letter on this matter to the government.”

He said it was also decided that the committee must meet the prime minister to discuss the issue further.

Meanwhile, a senior cop told The Malaysian Insight that the force has its own disciplinary department, which has taken action against many rogue officers.

“All I can say is, we have our disciplinary department, under the Integrity and Standards Department (Jips).

“The department has been taking action against officers who committed wrongdoing, and it is effective. I am aware of the criticism… but if it needs to be strengthened, then just give Jips more power,” said the officer, with the rank of senior assistant commissioner, on condition of anonymity.

He said many in the force disagree with suggestions that IPCMC be allowed to take charge of disciplinary cases as they fear it will lead to police “losing their pride”.

“We are very proud of the badge we wear. To let another entity investigate us is a huge disappointment. This is why many object to the suggestions… even retired cops disagree with the suggestions.

“However, what more can we say if the government decides to go ahead with it? We can’t protest in the streets. We would have to accept it, but I hope there will be discussions, and both parties can reach an agreement on what is best for the force.”

Last August, Fuzi said police would not object to the formation of IPCMC, but had submitted several proposals for the Pakatan Harapan government to consider.

He said police had discussed the matter with Putrajaya, but there remained key issues that must be addressed by the government before the commission was set up.

Human rights advocates have been pushing for years for IPCMC to be established, following cases of power abuse involving officers.

The formation of the commission was one of the 125 proposals made by a royal commission of inquiry into the force in 2005.

Last May, Muhyiddin said the PH administration was in the process of setting up IPCMC, as pledged by the pact in its election manifesto.

In March, Fuzi said a police task force had been set up to collect feedback on the commission. – May 3, 2019.