KUALA LUMPUR: The police are open to adopting measures to prevent custodial deaths, says Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
"We need to support all efforts to protect suspects or convicts in the lock-up," he said, adding he was aware of what happens when someone is subject to beatings in prison.
"I'm pleased to say the Home Ministry and Inspector-General of Police (Tan Sri Razarudin Husain) support the idea," he said in his speech at the Malaysian Human Rights Commission's (Suhakam) 25th silver jubilee celebration.
However, Anwar said that no one should be judged unfairly before the courts determine culpability in any case.
He also said proper procedures were important to prevent the perception that every custodial death was due to abuse by the police.
Anwar urged Suhakam and the police to revisit this issue, conduct thorough studies and review procedures.
"Suhakam should revisit this issue, discuss it with the police and visit the lockups. I can join you because I am familiar with some of the areas," he said.
Also present were Suhakam chairman Datuk Seri Mohd Hishamudin Yunus, Razarudin and Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Law and Institutional Reform) Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said.