The Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) is currently investigating multiple integrity-related cases involving senior police officers ranked Senior Assistant Commissioner and above, Malaysia's Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay said yesterday in Kuching [1].
The IPCC was established under the Independent Police Conduct Commission Act 2022 and has been operational since July 1, 2023. It acts as an independent oversight body under the Home Ministry to investigate police misconduct [2, 3].
Deputy IGP Ayob Khan explained that before the IPCC, complaints about police misconduct were primarily handled internally by the Royal Malaysia Police’s Integrity and Standards Compliance Department (JIPS). Some members of the public perceived this as 'police investigating police', which created discomfort in filing complaints [2, 3]. He said, "The IPCC is another channel available to the public. Previously, JIPS was the only avenue, and some people may have felt uncomfortable because they perceived it as the police investigating the police. However, the situation is now different" [2].
The commission employs its own independent officers to receive and investigate complaints. It can recommend disciplinary actions and suggest improvements to police conduct and procedures [2, 3]. The IPCC's jurisdiction covers misconduct such as corruption, abuse of power, torture, and police negligence [3].
Deputy IGP Ayob Khan emphasized the need to handle integrity issues firmly to maintain public confidence, stating, "We should not think that having only the Integrity and Standard Compliance Department as an internal body makes us safe. There are now external agencies that also monitor and ensure action is taken against any wrongdoing" [1].
On June 6, Ayob Khan made these remarks at the launch of the book "Integrity: Man of Integrity, Honour and Principle" in Kuching, which he attended alongside other officials [1, 2, 3].
Since becoming operational in mid-2023, the IPCC provides Malaysians an independent and alternative outlet to report police misconduct beyond internal police channels. Cases currently under investigation show the commission's active role in overseeing senior police officers.
The next key step includes continued monitoring by the Deputy Inspector-General and the IPCC's progress on ongoing investigations into senior officer misconduct.
