'Najib fears using Suhakam to probe police brutality'

DAP has slammed the prime minister for sidelining the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) in forming a new panel to probe reported police violence during Bersih 3.0.

“Is it because the cabinet is worried that Suhakam findings will be detrimental to both the police force and the government, and hence Najib is attempting to set up a new panel which will be more ‘sympathetic’ towards the government’s cause?” said DAP parliamentarian Tony Pua.

Pua (right) said the government’s announcement was “curious” since it had already set up Suhakam under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 to handle matters of human rights infringements.

“Therefore why is it that Suhakam has been marginalised when it comes to the investigation of outright human rights abuses by the police force?  

“Why is there a need for the prime minister to set up a new‘independent’ committee which will require a fresh set up and selection of new panel members? Are the existing Commissioners not good enough?” asked the PJ Utara MP in a statement today.

[More to follow]