Govt Open To Further Probe Into SUHAKAM's Findings On Unrest At Taiping Prison - Saifuddin Nasution

PUTRAJAYA, June 8 (Bernama) -- The government is prepared to facilitate further investigations into the findings and conclusions of a public inquiry by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) regarding the unrest at Taiping Prison last year.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) is expected to complete its investigation into the incident based on the SUHAKAM report, which he presented to the Cabinet recently.

“If a case has gone through a proper inquiry process, where evidence is gathered, witnesses are interviewed, and findings are compiled into a report, then any necessary follow-up investigation by the police should proceed accordingly.

“Our principle is clear...what is right is right, and what is wrong is wrong. Wrongdoing will not be defended.

“This message is very clear. I believe Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail will continue or complete any necessary investigation while taking into account SUHAKAM’s findings,” he said when addressing the Home Ministry’s monthly assembly here today.

Saifuddin stressed that the government would not shield any individual or institution found to have acted improperly in relation to the incident.

“Speaking the truth can be painful, but in the long run, it is always better.

“This is also a matter of integrity within our organisation. Over the past three years, I have been proud of the performance and reputation of the Prisons Department, and that is why integrity must remain paramount,” he said.

On May 27, the Prisons Department said it would provide full cooperation to relevant authorities in reviewing the findings and conclusions of SUHAKAM’s public inquiry into the incident at Taiping Prison.

The department said it takes seriously every finding, recommendation and issue highlighted in the report, including allegations involving prison management and personnel.

Previously, media reports stated that SUHAKAM’s Public Inquiry Panel, in its final findings on the riot that occurred at Taiping Prison on Jan 17, 2025, which resulted in the death of an elderly inmate, recommended that the facility be converted into a museum as it is no longer suitable for use as a prison.

-- BERNAMA