PUTRAJAYA – The appointment of five members of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) was announced today.
The Prime Minister’s Office’s (PMO) implementation coordination unit director-general, Datuk Zolkopli Dahalan, has been appointed to chair the commission, while PMO advisory board chairman Datuk Mohamad Jazamuddin Ahmad Nawawi was named his deputy.
Other appointed members include National Audit Department financial sector director Martina @ Kartina Zamhari, Datuk Shukri Abdullah (police logistics and technology department deputy director) and Datuk Tan Kang Sai (MACC special operations division senior director).
“The remaining two roles will be filled when the time comes. We usually conduct a headhunting process to identify individuals with expertise, experience and a proven track record in their respective fields.
“Despite having seven slots available, we can start with five and implement them first. As we progress, we will fill the two remaining slots,” Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail announced during a press conference at the ministry today.
He said the IPCC would be an independent monitoring body for the police force in terms of investigating misconduct complaints involving its integrity, which he said is a core value of good governance.
“The IPCC’s establishment is a manifestation of the government’s determination to manage the general public’s perception or misunderstanding of the police force’s integrity and credibility,” he said.
The independent body will be responsible for receiving complaints of misconduct by members and officers of the police force, conducting investigations and recommending disciplinary actions against the individuals to the Police Force Commission.
The body can also initiate investigations under the factor of public interest without requiring a reference from any party.
Under the IPCC Act, it is also mandated to serve as a referral body, compelling police to refer cases involving sexual crimes, severe injuries or death in custody to it.
Lawyers and activists have previously criticised the IPCC for possessing less power and independence in investigating complaints against police, comparing it to the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission, its predecessor, which was not enforced.
The Malaysian Bar was also reported as saying that the IPCC would be “toothless” in upholding police accountability. – January 10, 2024