Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Ex-IGP demands urgent overhaul of JIPS after rising police misconduct cases





Musa argued that aligning JIPS with the IPCC is key to reducing misconduct cases. - Bernama pic, December 16, 2024


Ex-IGP demands urgent overhaul of JIPS after rising police misconduct cases


The former police chief urges an overhaul of the integrity department to align with an independent commission, says misconduct will persist without reform


Sandru Narayanan
16 December, 2024
8:58 PM MYT


KUALA LUMPUR – The inefficiency of Bukit Aman’s Department of Integrity and Standards Compliance (JIPS) is the main reason for the high number of police misconduct cases, said former inspector-general of police Tan Sri Musa Hassan.

Musa’s remarks come after reports revealed 529 complaints of police misconduct were lodged with the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) between July 1 and November 22, 2023.

Complaints are classified into categories, including corruption, which are referred to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).

Speaking to Scoop, Musa, who served the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) for 40 years before retiring in 2010, argued that aligning JIPS with the IPCC is key to reducing misconduct cases.

JIPS was created in 2014 to strengthen internal controls within PDRM, but Musa said its module is outdated and inconsistent, changing with every IGP.

“To ensure we have a strong department and to reduce the number of police misconduct cases, JIPS needs a standard operating module that aligns with the IPCC.

“It cannot operate under two separate entities; it’s like creating two separate police forces.

“The public’s trust in our police is eroded because the internal system is neither stern, effective, nor transparent.

“This must change, and JIPS must do its job properly, or cases of misconduct will persist,” he explained.

JIPS was established under then-IGP Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar to improve internal controls over all levels of officers and personnel within PDRM through policies, punitive measures, and ethical cultivation.

However, its limitations have led to criticism and calls for reform.

The IPCC, created to oversee police integrity and handle misconduct complaints, replaced the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), which had greater disciplinary powers.

The IPCMC faced resistance from Barisan Nasional and the police force when it was tabled in 2019.

Previously, Scoop reported that Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail stated the IPCC has conducted 195 inspections of PDRM facilities, including six state police headquarters.

Musa also condemned a viral incident involving a police officer allegedly making lewd gestures towards a woman during a protest near the US Embassy on December 13.

“It’s such a disgraceful act, and individuals like him cause the entire police force to receive a bad name.

“People like him should be dismissed immediately, and both JIPS and the IPCC should take harsh action against him,” Musa added.

IGP Tan Sri Razarudin Husain has launched an investigation through JIPS into the incident.

He has urged the woman involved to file a formal report to assist the investigation. — December 16, 2024

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