Prisoners are human beings first

 

YOURSAY | “These abuses must stop now.”

Gobind sinks fangs into prison riot report, demands answers from IGP, AG

'Tortured, framed, silenced': DAP MP urges action over 'damning' prison abuses

Bobbyo: Communications Minister Gobind Singh Deo, the police, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) are now under intense public scrutiny - and rightly so.

Malaysians are asking why, despite the severity of the allegations, decisive action remains elusive.

Gobind, you say the police are investigating. But many Malaysians feel the police have “no time” for real crimes because they appear more preoccupied with policing morality - chasing LGBTQ+ individuals and other gender‑related cases - instead of addressing institutional violence and deaths in custody.

As for AG Dusuki Mokhtar, the perception is even worse. Many believe he “cannot move an inch” without instructions from the higher-ups.

Until such instructions arrive, he behaves like the proverbial three monkeys: sees no evil, hears no evil, speaks no evil.

This is not an accusation pulled from thin air. Suhakam’s report clearly states that prison officials were responsible for the cruel and degrading treatment of detainees - treatment that resulted in at least one death and multiple assaults.

These are not minor administrative lapses. These are acts of violence committed by state officers against individuals who were restrained, defenceless, and entirely under government custody.

Even though they are prisoners, they are human beings first. They are not animals to be beaten, pepper‑sprayed, or tortured. They are not bodies to be discarded. They are citizens whose rights remain intact even behind bars.

Investigations revealed that prison authorities attacked detainees while their hands were tied behind their backs. They were pepper‑sprayed, beaten, and humiliated.

What kind of society allows this? Are we modern‑day barbarians? Have we regressed to a time when laws did not exist and the “survival of the fittest” dictated who lived and who died?

The Madani administration must answer these questions. Will it take action? Or will it lower itself to the level of past governments that buried scandals under layers of bureaucracy and silence?

If the Madani government is serious about fighting crime and corruption, it must act decisively. If not, it should be prepared to face the wrath of voters in the next general election. Malaysians are tired of excuses. They want justice, not political theatre.

And Gobind - enough with the dramatic statements. What will you do if no action is taken? Will you, like former economy minister Rafizi Ramli, take a principled stand and resign? Or will you cling to your ministerial position while the system rots beneath you?

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MarioT: Before we condemn individual officers, we must also confront the structural rot.

Malaysia’s prisons are severely overcrowded. One report states that Sungai Buloh Prison, designed for 2,500 inmates, houses 6,000. Taiping Prison is likely facing similar conditions.

When facilities are stretched far beyond capacity, both prisoners and staff suffer. Overworked officers operate under extreme stress. Inmates live in cramped, unsanitary, and psychologically damaging environments. Overcrowding breeds tension, violence, and desperation.

Why has the government allowed such conditions to persist? Why maintain a system that places tremendous pressure on both staff and detainees? Overcrowding and inadequate supervision create a perfect storm for abuse, neglect, and tragedy.

If we want to prevent future deaths in custody, we must address the root causes - not just punish the symptoms.

Knucklehead2: The real question is: what is the Madani government going to do about these abuses by civil servants?

Right now, it looks like they are turning a blind eye. Voters must hold the government accountable - especially the prime minister of the day.

What action has he taken? And let’s not forget the unelected home minister, who shares responsibility. Doing nothing sends a clear message to voters about what to do in the next general election. Let’s be very clear: these abuses must stop now.

They are violations of basic human rights, and sooner or later, they will affect our families or us. By then, it may be too late.

Accountability cannot be delayed any longer.

ScarletPanda9731: If Malaysia wants to be a first‑class nation, then leadership must be chosen based on merit, not colour. Whether selecting a prime minister, deputy prime minister, inspector‑general of police, chief executive officer, or a university vice-chancellor, race should never be the deciding factor.

The same applies to the MACC and every other institution.

A great nation is built on fairness, integrity, and equal opportunity. The law does not recognise colour. The law does not bend for race. The “game of the impossible” can be played by anyone - if we allow talent to rise instead of suppressing it.

Malaysia could be admired. Malaysia could be respected. But only if we stop looking at skin colour and start looking at competence.

PurpleCat9452: Why isn’t this just another load of hot air? What exactly is the reform? Do you need another five years to implement it?

Apai Saloi: If the authorities do not take action to stop abuses, the time will come when people become violent and take the law into their own hands.

The authorities and their families might end up victims. - Mkini