A DAP lawmaker has urged the unity government to set up the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) – 19 years after it was first proposed.

Lim Lip Eng said in the past two decades, many have witnessed countless cases where the authorities commit acts of malfeasance but are let off with just a slap on the wrist.

“I urge the unity government to set up the IPCMC since it was first proposed by a Royal Commission of Inquiry some 19 years ago.

“The powers of the IPCMC should extend to all enforcement agencies in order to instil discipline in the forces,” the Kepong MP said.

Lim was responding to a recent incident where three men were arrested in Penang for recording a police raid.

However, former inspector-general of police Musa Hassan and several senior lawyers said that there are no laws to stop anyone from recording a police raid.

The lawmaker said the three can bring a civil suit against the police, but it may just turn out that when the police officers lose the case, it is the government that has to pay the victims.

“While the police officers are let off or maybe just assigned to desk jobs,” he added.

Lim said authorities, especially the police, have to accept the decision of the government to set up the IPCMC and to wear body cameras, so it can prevent situations as such from being misconstrued.

Yesterday Musa said there are no laws prohibiting the public from recording raids by authorities, including the police.

“If there are no laws (banning the recording of raids by the public), why the need to arrest anyone?

“Under article 5 of the Federal Constitution, we cannot restrict their freedom,” he said, referring to the personal liberty of an individual.

“Unless there is a law that allows us to do so.”

Musa, who was the country’s top cop from 2006 to 2010, said this is why police must immediately explain if recording the raid was disallowed.

Musa suggested it is time for police to start wearing body cameras. – February 5, 2023.