THE Suhakam findings on the missing activists Pastor Raymond Koh and Amri Che Mat insinuated that the Special Branch is to be held accountable for the enforced disappearances.

This is grossly unfair.

At the most, there may be some rogue officers involved and this should be investigated as a criminal offence.

It is now opined that the police cannot, by law, choose to stay out of this case. They are bound by the Police Act to investigate like any other alleged criminal act.

It is one of their main roles and functions as stipulated in the Act linked to the apprehension and prosecution of criminal offenders. 

No other agency is bound by law to act on behalf of the police when it comes to investigating serious criminal offences.

More so, when the ingredients of the said offences are seizeable and carry heavy punishments in law.

A task force without the effective tools of investigation and the lack of experience will lead to inconclusive outcomes.

There are already reports lodged and offences have been disclosed above the level of an iota of suspicion.

Criminal investigations are by law mandatory to start and there is no other agency better equipped, experienced enough and appropriately trained, to handle the alleged offences other than the police.

In fact, the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is more than capable in carrying out such investigations, be it friend or foe. It has done so many times in the past.

The Altantuya (Mongolian woman murdered in 2006) case involving two police officers is but one good example of how the police investigate rogue officers regardless of their rank. They have been charged and convicted in a court of law.

It should be the same here for the cases relating to Koh and Amri.

The police have traditionally discharged their duties well when investigating their own personnel. It is the hallmark of police integrity, honour and pride.

There is no reason why the police must stop now. Investigations done professionally will be able to identify only the rogue officers criminally responsible.

The police themselves must take it upon themselves to weed out these criminal offenders by being in the forefront of criminal investigations.

If the police are worried about investigations that may not be impartial or prejudicial, then the investigations can be headed by other external elements. But the mechanisms and tools of investigations must be from the police.

All those concerned must realise there are risky and dangerous elements to life and limb during such investigations. Only the police are trained and well equipped in such dangerous investigations.

The allegations are serious and will affect the trust and confidence of society in the police service, notwithstanding the fact that Koh and Amri have loved ones who are only seeking the right answers.

The police must not delay in either confirming or dispelling the Suhakam findings. Investigations work both ways in proving facts in issue or otherwise.

At times, rules of engagement are necessary when dealing with hardcore criminals. Firm actions that are taken by police officers in good faith in the course of their duties are sufficiently protected by law.

However, the enforced disappearances of innocent civilians cannot be condoned and tolerated in any way by all concerned.

The police who take great pride in their uniform, must deliver the goods adhering to the rule of law in ensuring justice will not only be done but seen to be done. – June 15, 2019.

* G. Selva reads The Malaysian Insight.

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.