The Malaysian human rights commission, Suhakam, welcomes Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s statement that the government is prepared to facilitate further investigations based on the findings and recommendations of Suhakam’s public inquiry into the incident at Taiping Prison, Perak.
The minister’s assurance that “what is wrong is wrong” and that no wrongdoing will be protected reflects an important commitment to accountability and the rule of law.
The findings of the public inquiry revealed serious violations of the human rights of detainees and raised concerns regarding the conduct of certain prison personnel, institutional accountability, and the adequacy of existing safeguards within places of detention.
These findings were reached following a comprehensive inquiry process involving witness testimonies, documentary evidence and expert assessments.
In this regard, Suhakam hopes that the police will complete its investigations thoroughly, independently and expeditiously, taking into account the findings and evidence presented during the public inquiry.
Where sufficient evidence exists, appropriate criminal prosecution should be taken against all individuals found to have committed offences, regardless of rank or position.
Suhakam further emphasises that accountability should not rest solely with criminal investigations.
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All relevant agencies, including those responsible for disciplinary oversight, governance, integrity and public service accountability, should undertake the necessary follow-up actions within their respective mandates.
Ensuring accountability at every level is essential not only for justice to be served, but also for restoring public confidence in state institutions.
The commission also welcomes the commitment expressed by the Prisons Department to cooperate fully with the relevant authorities and to review the findings and recommendations of the public inquiry.
Meaningful institutional reform, including the implementation of the inquiry’s recommendations, is necessary to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
Pursuant to Section 13(3) of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999, Suhakam will convene an engagement session with the relevant agencies to obtain updates and monitor the status of actions taken in response to the findings and recommendations of the public inquiry.
The commission remains committed to ensuring that the recommendations are meaningfully considered and effectively implemented.
The credibility of any justice system is measured not by how it treats the powerful, but by how it treats those under its custody and control.
The commission therefore urges all relevant authorities to act decisively on the findings of the public inquiry and demonstrate that human rights violations will neither be tolerated nor ignored. – Suhakam, 10 June
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