MIC wants government to reject High Court judge's retirement

The sudden retirement of High Court judge Datuk V. T. Singham, who just two days ago, delivered justice to the family of death in custody victim A. Kugan, did not go down well with MIC.

MIC Treasurer Datuk Jaspal Singh today said that he hoped the move was not forced by any quarters and if it was the judge’s own decision, then, the government must reject it.

“I sincerely hope that he has not been pressured to leave.

“If it is his own decision to quit, I call on the government to reject his resignation. Malaysia has great need of such principled judges,” he said in a statement.

Jaspal also insisted that investigation into the death of Kugan to be reopened.

“Kugan’s investigation must be reopened and his killers must be found and charged.

“The judge had said that the 45 injuries on Kugan's body are indication that more than one person was involved in torturing him. He also said these injuries including a wide range of internal injuries spoke volume of what had happen during his detention. Yet only one policeman has been charged and he is out on bail.

“The Home Minister must keep his word that the government will not protect any wrong doers,” he said.

Jaspal also backed Singham’s call for the setting up of the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

“The cabinet had recently decided that the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) would be the right entity to investigate such cases. The cabinet must revisit its decision.

“Whether it is the IPCMC or otherwise, it is clear that the police cannot be expected to investigate themselves. Certainly they cannot be sitting on the board of the EAIC or the IPCMC.

“The government must act swiftly to address public outrage over this case. Public trust is easily lost and hard to recoup,” he said.

Singham, who turns 65 today, opted for an optional retirement. He was the most senior High Court judge.

On Wednesday, the family of Kugan who sued the government and the police over his death in custody, won the suit and was awarded RM851,700 in damages.

In allowing the suit, Singham said the court found that all defendants, including Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Khalid Abu Bakar were liable.

On Jan 13 last year, Kugan's mother N.Indra had filed the RM100mil suit seeking damages over alleged negligence, assault, false imprisonment and misfeasance of public offence as well as breach of statutory duties.