Malaysian Bar wants setting up of independent body to probe deaths in custody

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Bar is calling for the setting up of an independent external organisation to investigate all deaths in custody, said its president Salim Bashir.

In a statement yesterday, he said the organisation views that external civilian oversight systems will be able to complement and enhance the existing mechanisms and create accountability for detention authorities.

Salim said the Malaysian Bar applauded the coroner's decision but also called on the government to consider establishing custodial medical units at the detention centres throughout the country.

He said when a person was brought to legally sanctioned custody, the law imposes a duty on the custodial officer to ensure the health and safety of the person in custody.

Salim said detention authorities must ensure that medical treatment is available for all suspects especially those with health risks and pre-existing conditions.

The call was made in the wake of the findings of the Shah Alam Coroners Court on Dec 21 this year, on the death of Thanabalan Subramaniam who died in police custody in 2018.

According to the statement, the Malaysian Bar also called for detention authorities to ensure the proper sanitation of these lockups and that basic amenities should be made accessible in all places of detention.

“The Malaysian Bar hopes that based on the decision of the Shah Alam Coroners Court on the unfortunate and preventable death of Thanabalan Subramaniam, a thorough and extensive investigation must be conducted in order to bring those responsible for his death to justice,” he added.

-- BERNAMA