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Spate of custodial deaths in Malaysia is macabre, says Malaysian Bar

2021-05-29T09:03:27-04:00May 29th, 2021|
Spate of custodial deaths in Malaysia is macabre, says Malaysian Bar

KUALA LUMPUR (May 29): The spate of custodial deaths in Malaysia is macabre, and its frequency may send the wrong message that there is a lacuna of accountability by the authorities towards detainees in their care.

In a statement today, Malaysian Bar president AG Kalidas called for an immediate and thorough independent investigation of into the death of Simpang Renggam prison detainee Surendran Shanker via an inquiry or inquest as mandated under Section 334 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

“This unacceptable number of deaths resulting from deaths in custody is a stain on our country and there needs to be an urgent overhaul of the system as a matter of utmost priority,” he said.

He highlighted that Shanker’s demise came shortly after the deaths of A Ganapathy and Sivabalan Subramaniam in the past few weeks.

Kalidas also urged the government to introduce a Coroners Act to thoroughly investigate each and every death in custody.

“The role of coroners should be strengthened, so that greater clarity can be provided in the inquiry process,” he said.

He said deaths in custody are an affront to civil society and natural justice, and such tragedies must be prevented from happening in the future, adding that the Malaysian Bar is ready to assist in order to ensure that an effective and comprehensive act is implemented.

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