The Malaysian Bar is deeply concerned by the fatal police shooting of a 21-year-old man who was a suspect in a kidnapping case in Klang, Selangor, on 14 April.
The incident took place when the police attempted to stop the suspect’s vehicle following a kidnapping earlier that week.
The suspect failed to comply, and a chase ensued, during which he drove against the flow of traffic and crashed into a police car. An alleged shootout took place after that, during which the suspect was shot and killed.
We acknowledge that a pistol and a parang were reportedly found in the suspect’s vehicle after the shooting, but we also note that, as reported, the suspect had no prior criminal record.
Regardless of the details surrounding this particular case, the loss of life should never be treated lightly, and the use of lethal force must always be measured and proportionate.
The situation must be thoroughly investigated to ensure that any action taken by law enforcement officers is in line with established protocols and the fundamental principles of justice.
This tragic incident highlights a recurring pattern of police claims that weapons were found in the possession of deceased individuals following fatal shootings.
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In the case of Aminulrasyid Amzah, the then-Selangor police chief, Khalid Abu Bakar, had alleged that the 14-year-old had criminal links, and that a parang was found in the car. However, the Court of Appeal later held that it was not proven how the parang came to be in the car, and found Khalid liable for malfeasance.
This pattern must be addressed, as it raises concerns about accountability and erodes public trust in the police.
The Malaysian Bar calls for greater transparency in police operations, particularly in cases involving the use of lethal force, and urges that all facts surrounding such incidents be made public.
Statistics on police shootings in Malaysia point to a deeply worrying trend.
In 2024, there were 35 police shooting incidents across 11 states involving 75 individuals – 36 of whom were killed – marking a sharp rise in fatalities and a broader geographic spread compared to 2023.
For the year 2025, as of today, we have found six reported cases of police shootings.
The Malaysian Bar reiterates its call for prompt and independent inquests to be held in all cases of deaths caused by police shootings. Inquests are necessary to uncover the full facts surrounding each incident, to establish the legality of the use of force and to uphold public confidence in law enforcement.
Furthermore, it is crucial that any available recordings, including bodycam or dashcam footage, be thoroughly examined during the inquest process.
To date, no footage has been publicly released from any of these cases, and it is vital that these recordings, if available, are made part of the investigation to ensure transparency.
The Malaysian Bar emphasises the importance of upholding the right to life, which is enshrined in the Federal Constitution.
Even in cases involving individuals suspected of criminal activity, it is not the role of the police to act as judge, jury and executioner.
The right to a fair trial, as well as the presumption of innocence, must always be respected.
Law enforcement officers are entrusted with the responsibility to protect public safety, but the use of force should always be the last resort, in accordance with both national and international standards.
As regards the kidnapping case, the Malaysian Bar commends the police for arresting six other individuals in connection. We support the ongoing investigation into this matter and, at the same time, call for a full and independent review of the circumstances surrounding the police shooting.
We urge the authorities to ensure that all actions taken by law enforcement officers are consistent with the principles of justice, proportionality and respect for human rights. – Bar
Mohamad Ezri Abdul Wahab is the president of the Malaysian Bar.
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