The police have finally given their consent for the formation of the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) some 14 years after it was first proposed.
Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Abdul Hamid Bador said today that their consent was based on the guarantee that police powers would not be diminished.
He said a meeting with Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption Centre (GIACC) director-general Tan Sri Abu Kassim Mohamed in Putrajaya this evening had cleared the police’s concerns on the commission.
Pointing out that some 20 police officers had spoken up on the IPCMC during the meeting, Hamid told reporters: “I am satisfied with the discussion process. The high-ranking officers gave their views.
“GIACC convinced the police on issues which were of concern… In actual fact, IPCMC provides numerous opportunities and space to the police. It does not erode the police’s existing powers.”
Abu Kassin said the IPCMC would investigate complaints but does not possess prosecution powers.
“In summary, I can say that today’s discussion was positive. We will have (another) discussion on technicalities (later).
“In principle, I can say there is no obstacle to the formation of the IPCMC,” he added.
The IPCMC was mooted by the Royal Commission to Enhance the Operation and Management of the police in its report published in May 2005.
On the eve of handing over the reins, Hamid’s predecessor Mohamad Fuzi Harun said the police objected to the IPCMC assuming the police’s power to take disciplinary action against its personnel.
“We have about 130,000 serving and 150,000 retired personnel who have objected to the matter.
“The IPCMC wants to take over the power of the Police Commission under Article 140 of the Federal Constitution on issues regarding disciplinary action and investigations.
“We will register our opposition and have written a letter to the government leadership,” he had said.
Related reports:
May 10, Cops Told IPCMC Is for Their Own Good
May 5, MP Suggests MACC Probe Cops Opposed to IPCMC
May 3, Muhyiddin: IPCMC Not Aimed at Punishing Police
May 2, Cops Reject IPCMC
Apr 8, NGOs March to Parliament to Demand Setting Up of IPCMC