KUALA LUMPUR – Deputy Secretary-General of Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR), G Sivamalar has called for urgent prison and custodial reforms following the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia’s (Suhakam) findings into the Taiping Prison incident.
Sivamalar, who is also a Member of PKR’s Central Leadership Council (MPP), described the findings as deeply alarming and said the allegations raised could not be treated as an ordinary case of misconduct within a detention facility.
She said allegations involving excessive force, abuse, delayed medical treatment, negligence and possible attempts to conceal wrongdoing strike at the very foundation of public confidence in the country’s justice system.
“If these findings are allowed to fade without firm and transparent action, it would create a dangerous perception that abuse under state custody can occur without accountability,” she said in a statement today.
According to Sivamalar, Article 5 of the Federal Constitution guarantees every individual the right to life and personal liberty, including protection from cruelty, degrading treatment and neglect while under detention.
“A detainee may lose freedom of movement through lawful process, but they do not lose their humanity, dignity or constitutional protections,” she said.
She also described allegations involving false reporting, delays in investigations, failures in providing urgent medical treatment and possible attempts to suppress wrongdoing as extremely disturbing.
Sivamalar stressed that a Madani Government founded upon justice, compassion and institutional integrity must never tolerate abuse of power within state institutions.
“There can be no compromise and absolutely no protection for individuals involved in misconduct, regardless of their rank or position,” she said.
At the same time, she acknowledged the Madani Government’s ongoing efforts in implementing institutional reforms aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and democratic integrity.
However, she said the time had also come for Malaysia to seriously examine broader reforms involving prisons and custodial institutions, including oversight mechanisms, detainee welfare, medical accountability, enforcement training and compliance with human rights standards.
She stressed that the issue should not be viewed as an attack against enforcement agencies or the prison system as a whole, noting that the majority of enforcement personnel continue to serve professionally and with integrity.
“Protecting institutional credibility requires the courage to confront wrongdoing openly, honestly and without fear,” she said.
Sivamalar also urged the government to ensure that a fully independent, transparent and uncompromising investigation is carried out into every aspect of the incident, including all individuals involved regardless of rank or position.
“Malaysia must stand firmly against custodial abuse, institutional violence and impunity. Justice cannot stop at the prison gates,” she said. -MalayaDailyToday
