KUALA LUMPUR: The newly-formed special task force to implement Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission recommendations to prevent deaths in custody will present an in-depth report to the government in six months.
Task force head Datuk Dr Prasad Sandosham Abraham said the task force duties would be carried out in four stages.
He said this would be visits to selected lock-ups, depots, and detention centres; submission of detailed feedback, including justifications for the implementation of the recommendations; report preparation; and, presentation of the report to the government.
"The agreed terms of reference for the study are to conduct an in-depth review of all aspects of the recommendations and preventive measures outlined in the EAIC Review Committee Report on Deaths in Custody and the Identification of Preventive Measures.
"(EAIC's) report was presented to Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the Special Cabinet Committee on National Governance meeting on May 7, which decided on the formation of the special task force," said the EAIC deputy chairman in a statement.
Prasad, who chaired the committee's first meeting earlier, said the special task force comprises EAIC officers; representatives from the Home, Finance, Health and Works ministries; the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam); and, the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC), among others.
He said other members comprise officials from the Attorney-General's Chambers (A-GC), Public Service Department, Office of the Chief Government Security Officer (CGSO), Immigration Department, National Anti-Drugs Agency, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Customs Department and police.
"The special task force's report will hopefully enhance the governance of lock-ups and detention centres by identifying weaknesses in the system that contribute to deaths in custody, helping the government formulate better policies, ensuring the accountability of involved parties."
Prasad expressed hope that it would help improve public awareness on custodial death and cooperation between agencies in safeguarding human rights.