A member of the Enforcement Agencies Integrity Commission (EAIC) has been accused of acting in conflict of interest by representing one of the three police personnel charged with murder of death in custody victim N Dhamendran.
In a press release today, PKR legal and human rights bureau head Latheefa Koya said lawyer Salehuddin Saidin (left) cannot be expected to be independent and objective in his EAIC duties while defending his client.
Latheefa said that this arrangement had cast doubts about the EAIC's independence and thus the federal government should withdraw support for the commission.
"We reiterate that nothing short of IPCMC will work and more importantly there must be a guarantee of its independence to ensure professional investigation is carried out without fear or favour," she said.
Latheefa was referring to the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) mooted in 2005 by a royal commission of inquiry on how to improve the efficiency of the police force.
In a press release today, PKR legal and human rights bureau head Latheefa Koya said lawyer Salehuddin Saidin (left) cannot be expected to be independent and objective in his EAIC duties while defending his client.Latheefa said that this arrangement had cast doubts about the EAIC's independence and thus the federal government should withdraw support for the commission.
"We reiterate that nothing short of IPCMC will work and more importantly there must be a guarantee of its independence to ensure professional investigation is carried out without fear or favour," she said.
Latheefa was referring to the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) mooted in 2005 by a royal commission of inquiry on how to improve the efficiency of the police force.
Other cases
Salehuddin is one of EAIC's six members. He is best remembered for being dropped as a prosecutor in the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial. He joined private practice soon after.
He is also representing Corp Mohd Haswadi Zamri Shaari, who was among the trio charged on June 5 for Dhamendran's murder.
According to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital pathologist reports, Dhamendran suffered "multiple blunt force trauma", although the police initially claimed that he died of breathing difficulties.
Latheefa pointed out that Salehuddin had a history of representing those alleged involved in police abuses. Among others, they are:
He is also representing Corp Mohd Haswadi Zamri Shaari, who was among the trio charged on June 5 for Dhamendran's murder.
According to Kuala Lumpur General Hospital pathologist reports, Dhamendran suffered "multiple blunt force trauma", although the police initially claimed that he died of breathing difficulties.
Latheefa pointed out that Salehuddin had a history of representing those alleged involved in police abuses. Among others, they are:
- Constable V Navindran, charged with causing grievous hurt on A Kugan.
- Dr Abdul Karim Tajudin, who was found guilty of professional misconduct by the Malaysian Medical Council in preparing A Kugan's first autopsy report
- Sgt Mohd Diah Sulaiman, who is being charged with criminal intimidation and voluntarily causing hurt against B Prabakar, who was allegedly beaten and scalded by hot water during interrogation.
The EAIC, established in 2011, has powers to investigate complaints against all law enforcement agencies.
However, the EAIC's successes are severely limited and critics argue that the body is a very watered-down version of the IPCMC.
However, the EAIC's successes are severely limited and critics argue that the body is a very watered-down version of the IPCMC.
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