Subscribe in a reader | Subscribe by Email After leaving MIC, SA Vigneswaran tries to remain in the picture. His Malaysian Indian Youth Development Foundation (MIYDF) is compiling a set of comprehensive, detailed and thorough recommendations to tackle the issue of ‘inadequate custodial procedures and practices’.
According to MIYDF chairperson SA Vigneswaran, the recommendations are being compiled by the foundation’s human rights committee and would be submitted to the Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) before the opening of the Parliament session on Feb 16.
He said the compilation comprises background to the problem, the effects and the perception of the Malaysian society on the police force.
The recommendations is aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of the police force by ensuring that officers conduct the investigation professionally and within the provisions of the law.
“The important role played by the police in society is appreciated and acknowledged by the society at large.
“But notably such appreciation has waned over the years precisely because of incidents of police misconduct that went unchecked in the recent years,” Vigneswaran said in a statement.
“Therefore, those who abuse their power by using excessive or even deadly force must be held accountable. Although it is a cliche that police aggression is an inevitable byproduct for crackdown of crime, it is time, this perception is shifted.
“We should not choose between curtailing violence and treating people right, between enforcing the law and upholding civil rights. The police can strike a balance by acting within the ambits of the law, for example like in the United Kingdom,” he added.
Vigneswaran, who is the former MIC Youth chief, pointed out that the recommendations are not aimed at interfering or weakening the police force.
He said it is to instil responsibility, professionalism, and accountability in their day to day encounter with the suspect, detainee and the public in general.
Interestingly, why is the recommendations is being submitted to BNBBC? May Vigneswaran is aware of the fate of previous reports/memorandums/findings submitted to the “proper” channels? 🙂
Whatever it is, good luck to MIYDF.
