AZALINA Othman, the minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (law and institutional reforms), said in her statement that the public can file a complaint to the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), which was established in line with the Madani government’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens, especially vulnerable groups. 

In 2020, the IPCC Act was introduced to replace the Independent Police Complaints of Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Despite its criticism from the Malaysian Bar and civil society, the bill was passed in 2022 and came into force in June 2023.

The IPCC Act is a piece of legislation that was enacted to enhance the oversight and accountability of the Royal Malaysia Police.

The act was a huge step backward for police accountability and for a proper independent commission to investigate police misbehavior.

Some of the highlighted structural deficiencies within the IPCC are the appointment of commissioners and the inability of IPCC investigators to conduct searches and seizures or make unannounced visits to detention centres and lockups before giving prior notice.

However, one of the most significant drawbacks of the act was the inability of the commissioner to act against police officers who have committed wrongdoings but only to recommend proposed action to the Police Force Commission (PFC).

It is interesting to note that under the Australian law enforcement conduct commissioner, the commissioner here monitors how the police and relevant authorities conduct an investigation. They play an active role in the investigation by recommending appropriate changes to the issue.

Therefore, it is humbly submitted that reporting the issue to the IPCC will be futile since the commissioner cannot proceed further with the matter if the PFC does not act on it.

The IPCC act certainly does not reflect Madani’s spirit in ensuring good governance, and its objective in addressing police accountability.

Thus, the toothless piece of legislation remains as such unless steps are taken to amend it. – June 3, 2024.

* Matilda George reads The Malaysian Insight.