THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) and the police force today launched a human rights module, which will serve as a guide for the men in blue to work within acceptable standards. 

Developed in 2018, the module is an initiative to strengthen the understanding and training of police officers on domestic and international human rights standards required while they are carrying out their duties. 

“It (module) will act as a guide for instructors delivering human rights courses to police officers, it will also improve existing curricula by adapting and integrating relevant topics in the module,” Suhakam and Bukit Aman said in a joint statement today. 

According to the statement, the module included international standards of human rights and policing; prohibition of discrimination; special needs of disabled detainees, children and women; as well as application of human rights principles in detention, arrest and the use of force and firearms. 

Other parts of the module consisted of cruel and inhumane punishment that disregarded one’s dignity as well as prohibition of torture. 

Inspector-General of Police Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani and Suhakam chairman Othman Hashim officiated at the event. 

Speaking during the launch, Acryl assured that his men would be part of the programme not only to gain knowledge but also to support the cause of human rights in the country. 

Othman on the other hand expressed hope the module would uplift the image of the police force, which was no stranger to criticism and controversy. 

In recent weeks, numerous deaths in police custody have been reported although not linked to police brutality. 

Just a week ago, a 45-year-old man was declared dead on his way to hospital after suffering a seizure at a police lockup in Kajang. 

His death was the 15th custodial fatality recorded this year. – April 18, 2022.