Consider why Australia & UK must set up separate police complaints commission

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong calls on the Government to reconsider the effectiveness of Special Complaints Commission (SCC). It should also try to understand why Australia and U.K. set up independent police complaints commission besides ombudsman that covers various government departments.


Dr Tan comments on the SCC Bill 2007 that was presented for first reading in Parliament on 13.12.2007.


For many years, the public have things to say about the police. There are many dedicated police pesonnel. Just like other fields, some police personnel are black sheep, letting the people down. Hence, the Government formed a Royal Commission to enhance the operation and management of the police. In 2005, the Royal Commission proposed 125 recommendations, that included Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC), to meet the requests of the people.


But then, the police feel that it has been singled out. Other departments such as Road Transport Department and Customs and Excise department also have black sheep. Why should they be left out?

Australia and United Kingdom have ombudsman to receive complaints against various departments. They have found that this bureau cannot deal with complaints against the police effectively. Thus, they set up Independent Police Complaints Commission to handle complaints against police.

Now, SCC includes the Inspector-General of Police and the Director of Anti-Corrupti0n Agency as members. This is controversial. Since SCC is independent, why does it have IGP and Director of ACA as members?


Dr Tan Seng Giaw