-Thevarajan.R,  Right to Justice Coordinator, May 14, 2012.

 SUARAM condemns the statement by Deputy inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar today where he mentioned there are elements which wanted to cause death at the Bersih 3.0 rally.He alleges that they have video recording of an individual saying that.

 Suaram condemns this irresponsible act on part of the Deputy IGP to criminalise the Bersih demonstration & to demonize peaceful assemblies in Malaysia. The statement also shows that the PDRM have embarked on a trial by media over such a serious allegation and to politicise the issue to cover up their high handedness during the April 28 mass demonstration.

Suaram is deeply concern over the statement made as it’s not the first time a top cop in Malaysia making such scandalous statement . In the past Suaram have recorded similar statements from the IGP and his Deputy as we recall the former IGP’s allegation of plot to overthrow the government during the 1990’s Reformasi ISA crackdown. The former IGP then have also made statements on the evidence of molotov cocktails but until today no person was charged with these alleged evidence.

The country’s 2nd top cop should refrain from making such statements and let SUHAKAM to do the investigation and inquiries on the violence and brutality during Bersih 3.0 sit in or charge the relevant persons in an open court accordingly to the Penal Code.

Suaram is of the view that the PDRM as a public servant must remain and seen to be objective and independent in their action and commentaries.It is reminded that the police are the guardians of human rights and must respect the rights of the people including the right to peaceful assembly.

SUARAM once again calls for the government to revive the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to ensure independent oversight over the actions of the PDRM. It is also high time for the government to review the implementation of the 2005 report of the Royal Commission on Policing to address the professionalism and human rights compliance of the police force.