KUALA LUMPUR: The government has been urged to set up a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the Wang Kelian mass graves and the subsequent cover-up.
Eric Paulsen, executive director for Lawyers for Liberty said the in the light of the extensive New Straits Times (NST) report said serious questions must be asked as to why there was such an extensive cover-up and who the authorities were trying to protect.
He was referring to the NST report on Wednesday on the discovery of mass graves of human trafficking victims in Wang Kelian, Perlis in 2015 and the subsequent cover-up including by destroying evidence and redacting reports and other papers in the course of investigation.
“Such poor investigative and prosecution record on the most shameful human trafficking scandal in Malaysia’s history must be compared to Thailand where at least 62 persons including local Thai officials and a three-star general, were charged and convicted of human trafficking and other offences,” he said in a statement.
Eric adds that the extensive NST report confirms the long held suspicion of local authorities’ collusion, and most damning of all, the subsequent whitewash investigation and perfunctory prosecution of a few foreigners.
Eric called upon the government to seriously investigate the killing fields at the country’s own backyard by setting up a credible Royal Commission of Inquiry and tackle the modern day scourge of human trafficking.
“In order to do so, the government must demonstrate political will to act and hold accountable all those involved, regardless of rank, status or connection.”