THE police have no objections to the formation of an independent police complaint and misconduct commission (IPCMC), and has already submitted a proposal to the Pakatan Harapan government for consideration, said Mohamad Fuzi Harun.

The inspector-general of police said that the force had opened discussions over the matter with Putrajaya, but there were several key issues that must be addressed by the government before setting up the commission.

“We do not object to the formation of the IPCMC. In fact, we have sent a proposal to the government. However, there are some concerns from the police that must first be addressed before the commission can be formed.

“I hope the government can consider our proposal and the concerns we have put forward,” said Fuzi after a joint seminar on human rights with The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia.

Fuzi’s change in stance is a departure from the past, when the police resisted any attempt to form the IPCMC.

He said the proposal forwarded to the government highlighted the rights of police personnel.

“The police have rights too. We do not want our rights to be sidelined once the commission is set up,” Fuzi said briefly.

Suhakam chairperson Razali Ismail applauded the police for being candid during the discussion held this morning at the Royal Malaysian Police College in Cheras.

“The police have been very open and the discussion went very well. The police force is a very important entity in our country.

“They must subscribe to human rights more than anyone else, and I hope this is a step forward to empower human rights in Malaysia,” Razali added.

The IPCMC has been a hot topic among human rights advocates for decades, as numerous cases of power abuse involving police officers have fallen on deaf ears.

Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin said in May that the PH government was in the process of establishing the commission.

The Pagoh MP said the commission was part of the pledges made by PH in its election manifesto. The four-party coalition had vowed to reform the police force.

Fuzi also pledged during the press conference today to end the number of deaths in custody, and to improve the condition of lock-ups in the country.

“We are increasing our compliance with issues of human rights. We are looking to end deaths in custody, and are looking to improve the condition of our lock-ups.

“There will be zero tolerance on these matters. We hope we can work together with Suhakam, and we thank them for their ideas and support.” – August 2, 2018.