KUALA LUMPUR — The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) has received 529 complaints as of Nov 22 since it came into force on July 1, 2023.
Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said complaints are categorised into three areas, including corruption cases, which are referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
“In addition, the IPCC also receives complaints regarding criminal cases, which are then referred to the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM).
“Misconduct cases involving personnel are investigated by the IPCC,” Saifuddin said during a press conference after the launch of the IPCC, Police, Friends and Collaborators (IPFC) initiative at the World Trade Centre here, today.
“The IPCC has developed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for receiving complaints and conducting investigations.
“It is also in the process of drafting regulations under Section 46 of Act 839 to interpret the Minister’s powers.”
Saifuddin also said the IPCC has conducted 195 visits to PDRM facilities, including six state police headquarters (IPKs), to date.
The IPCC functions as an independent body to monitor the integrity of the police force and investigate complaints of misconduct.
Its proposed precursor was the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), for which a bill was tabled in 2019 following growing concern about cases of police abuse, alleged corruption and deaths in custody.
However, the IPCMC, which would have had greater powers to reprimand errant police personnel, came to naught after it was opposed by Barisan Nasional at the time, as well as the police force itself.
The IPFC initiative launch today was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, who urged PDRM to adopt a firm stance in carrying out its duties and to avoid becoming trapped in “trivial politics or racial and religious strife”.
“I also urge the police leadership to adopt a zero-tolerance approach in ensuring justice and the nation’s well-being. For the sake of the people and the country, decisive action must be taken,” Anwar said.
The IPFC initiative is part of a strategic plan by the IPCC to enhance public confidence in the integrity of the police force.
The objectives of the IPFC include monitoring the conduct of police personnel, safeguarding the human rights of both the public and police officers, facilitating service delivery, and improving the effectiveness of the IPCC and PDRM.
Also present at the IPFC launch were Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, and Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Razarudin Husain. – December 3,2024
