AS protests overwhelm cities across America in the wake of George Floyd’s death, Malaysians quickly took to social media to weigh in on the unfolding catastrophe. Five years ago, I might have done the same.

Having grown up in Texas and lived in New York, I’ve always thought of myself to be part American. Over the years though, I’ve found it unproductive to shape certain conversations in a country where, ultimately, my words will not fix the problems that require American citizens – not me – to act.

I’m not saying we shouldn’t stand in solidarity with those outside our borders. As responsible members of this rakyat, however, we should also take the opportunity to reflect on racism and police brutality here.

The image of Derek Chauvin’s knee on Floyd’s neck should wake us up to Malaysia’s long-standing issue of custodial deaths. And, while I acknowledge that my privilege as an upper-class Malay man has cushioned me from police brutality and violence, it does not make the situation any less real for those less privileged.

It does not diminish the tragedy of N. Dharmendran, who allegedly died of an “asthma attack” when later, investigations revealed he actually died of multiple blunt-force traumas. Or the mysterious deaths of P. Karuna Nithi, A. Kugan, Ahmad Sarbani Mohamed and Teoh Beng Hock. Or any of the more than 200 people who have died in police custody since 2002. 

While the previous Pakatan Harapan administration has taken steps to address them, installing CCTVs in police lock-ups are only a small part of the solution. Ultimately, we need to get down to the nitty-gritty. 

For one, while the majority of those who die in custody are Malay, the issue is highly and undeniably racialised. Ethnic Indians are the primary victims. They account for one in four deaths, yet make up only 7% of the population.

Furthermore, legal experts have pointed out that the National Security Council Act 2016 effectively accords all law enforcement personnel with immunity when carrying out acts in the name of the council, even outside emergency rule. The numbers speak for themselves – only nine police officers have been charged for custodial deaths since 2008.

The list goes on, but a robust first step is for the Dewan Rakyat to pass the Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Act. Ultimately, an independent body backed by the full force of the law and the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is as necessary as the right to life. There is no alternative path to justice.

The government of the day knows it. Unfortunately, we also know that its track record shows constant opposition to the IPCMC, as it has deemed it a threat to the welfare of His Majesty’s police force. But, the very same track record suggests that perhaps, the current administration is not so much concerned about police well-being as it is about accountability. 

If there’s anything we can take away from Floyd’s death, it’s that we must learn from it. To reassess where we’re heading under leaders who are afraid of being held liable. To recognise that, unless it changes course, the conscientious can’t fully sympathise with Floyd – or Dharmendran – while also supporting the principles this government is built on. To use every avenue to ensure that our country is built on accountability and the rule of law.

Most of all, to remember that this country does not belong to the politicians. It belongs to We the Rakyat. – June 1, 2020.

* Hezril Asyraaf is presenter/producer at BFM89.9 The Business Station. 

* 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.