DAP adviser Lim Guan Eng has urged Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to reassure the public that he respects the rule of law and that those in power do not abuse their authority.
The Bagan MP said the prime minister must publicly address concerns surrounding the fatal shooting of three suspected criminals in Malacca last month and issue a directive to Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail to ensure justice for the families of the deceased.
“Anwar must show his personal concern and direct Saifuddin to ensure an independent, fair, professional and transparent investigation by a competent authority assisted by the police.
“The terms of reference of such an investigation would be related as to whether the police officers involved executed the three men in cold blood, whether the deceased were involved in criminal activities, and the type of action taken against the police officers if found guilty of murder or criminal wrongdoing or misconduct,” he added.
Lim was commenting on the release of an audio recording, which the wife of one of the suspects claimed debunked the police’s version that the men were shot after attacking and wounding a police officer.
“There is no doubt the alleged shocking audio recording of the final moments by the wife of one of the deceased before, during and after the three men were shot dead has greatly disturbed, if not distressed, the public.
“If I had received so many messages, I am sure the prime minister would have received more,” he added.
Calls for independent probe
The revelation of the audio recording has prompted calls from various quarters for an independent inquiry into the incident, while the families’ lawyer has demanded that the police officers involved be charged with murder.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reform) M Kulasegaran has also urged for an inquest, stating that it would allow a coroner, as an independent party, to conduct a full examination of the shooting.
“It would provide an avenue for all parties to be heard and for all evidence to be considered, while ensuring that the public remains informed and confident in the integrity of the process,” he said.
At a press conference on Wednesday, the wife of one of those killed, who wished to be identified only as Jayashree, said she managed to record a phone conversation with her husband, G. Logeswaran, 29, during the incident.
She said that based on the recording from last Monday (Nov 24), the three could be heard cooperating with the police as they were being detained.
Jayashree also said the recording did not show the victims behaving in a threatening manner as alleged.
Following the disclosure, the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters said it would investigate the matter and vowed to be fair, but critics remain unconvinced, arguing that the probe should be independent. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.