Where are findings into this year’s 6 custodial deaths, asks MP

 

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto says Malaysia can ill-afford to have even one custodial death after winning a seat in the UN Human Rights Council. (Reuters pic)

PETALING JAYA: An MP has questioned the government on the “missing” reports on custodial deaths despite the numerous government agencies and departments being tasked to investigate the matter.

These include the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) and the Custodial Death Crime Investigation Unit under the police’s integrity and standards compliance department.

Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto said there have been six deaths in custody this year and “not a single whisper” on their causes.

“The Criminal Investigation Unit on Deaths in Custody, formed in December 2021 and parked under the police’s integrity and standards compliance department, must be having its hands full in dealing with six deaths in custody so far this year,” Kasthuri said in a statement today.

Kasthuri Patto.

She urged the government to prepare the reports on the custodial deaths for tabling in the new session of Parliament beginning on Feb 28.

“I wish to see a bullet-speed reaction from the prime minister, as the head of Keluarga Malaysia, to ensure that the reports are ready.

“Remember, a seat on the UN Human Rights Council means that Malaysia must show it is committed to protecting and defending human rights. A death in custody is a grievous violation of that.” - FMT