KUALA LUMPUR: The home ministry should clear the air regarding the 1,500 custodial deaths that reportedly occurred between 2003 and 2007, said DAP MP Gobind Singh Deo.
The Puchong MP further rapped Deputy Home Minister Wira Abu Seman Yusop for “being not aware” of the figures when the matter was raised in the House.
This is despite the fact that a UN report on issues concerning Malaysian detention centres had been forwarded to another deputy minister Lee Chee Leong early last month.
The UN group was in Malaysia for about a week in June visiting prisons and studying detention reports.
According to Gobind, the Malaysian detainees' plight was highlighted on the BBC website on June 18, but this was not picked up by the local media.
“I raised this in Parliament on June 23 with the deputy minister (Abu Seman) by referring to the BBC report… and he didn’t seem to know much about it,” said Gobind.
The lawyer was also disappointed when Abu Seman’s only reply was: “The authorities will investigate if you lodge police reports. Only then we will take appropriate action.”
Gobind said: “This involves the integrity of Malaysia's legal and detention laws and that's all he can come up with!
"The ministry is aware of the (preliminary) report as it has been presented by UN. They (UN) cannot wait for a police report every time there is a problem."
Gobind also said Abu Seman’s answer was “disturbing” as thus far no action has been taken although these deaths had been occurring for five years.
“Until now, the minister is unable to give reports and details. Hishammuddin (Hussein) must tell us how these 1,500 people died while in the custody of the police,” said Gobind.
Contradictory reporting by Bernama and BBC
Gobind was also disappointed with government-owned media agency Bernama which he said failed to address the detainees' plight, compared to BBC.
On the same day as the BBC report on the UN group’s observation of Malaysian detention centres, Gobind said Bernama gave a “contradictory view”.
Bernama, on June 18, reported that Malaysian detainees are being treated well according to the UN group.
Besides reporting on the 1,500 deaths, the BBC said that former detainees were “scared” of the Malaysian police and that the government was asked to repeal security laws that allow detention without trial.
According to the UN group, as reported by the BBC, almost all those it interviewed said they were tortured or mistreated in Malaysia’s detention centres.
Almost all complained of beatings, being confined in cramped spaces without light, and had filthy water thrown at them.
“Both can’t be right," said Gobind. "One report says the detainees were well treated, while another says otherwise. There is clearly a contradiction,” said Gobind.
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