Prisons dept pledges full cooperation on Suhakam riot findings

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian prisons department has pledged to fully cooperate with relevant authorities in studying the findings of Suhakam’s public inquiry into the Taiping prison riot last year.

In a statement today, the department said it views every finding, recommendation and issue in the report with the utmost seriousness, including allegations involving prison management and staff, Bernama reported.

“We will cooperate fully to examine the report thoroughly in detail, and with integrity, to ensure every issue raised receives proper attention.

“The department remains committed to safety, welfare, rehabilitation and human rights compliance, in line with legal provisions and established prison management standards,” the statement read.

The department also urged all parties to refrain from speculation or making premature conclusions that could affect this process and further action by authorities.

Last Monday, Suuhakam’s public inquiry panel released its final findings on the Taiping prison riot on Jan 17 last year.

More than 100 inmates at Taiping prison were assaulted by about 60 wardens during the relocation exercise from Hall B to Block E. One of the detainees, Gan Chin Eng, was killed in the incident.

The panel suggested turning Taiping prison into a museum, saying it is no longer fit for use as a prison.

The inquiry found that the prison management proceeded with the transfer despite knowing Block E suffered from serious structural damage and unsafe living conditions.

Among the problems identified were sewage overflow during heavy rain, rat and centipede infestations, foul odours, and the continued use of a “bucket system” instead of modern toilets.

Suhakam had said CCTV footage and witness testimony provided clear direct evidence of wrongdoing.

Suhakam chairman Hishamudin Yunus, a former Court of Appeal judge, noted that a warden had already been charged with culpable homicide involving the death of the inmate.

However, he said criminal investigations should be launched into other officers involved in the incident.

“The absence of proper control resulted in prison officers acting beyond their authority by carrying out arbitrary actions against the detainees, as though the law did not apply to them,” he said.

He also urged the prisons department to immediately commence disciplinary proceedings against the officers involved.

He also raised concerns over the alleged manipulation of medical records and the deletion of photo and video evidence recorded during the incident.

المصدر: Free Malaysia Today