He said the idea of setting up of Ombudsman was mooted during the era of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi when he was prime miniser from 2003 to 2009.
“I am happy that the past proposals are bearing fruit. We need both of this (Ombudsman and IPCMC). I have been advocating this for many years. I am happy,” he told FMT.
In 2005, a royal commission recommended the establishment of the independent body to monitor the conduct of the police. However, Abdullah shelved the proposal following opposition from the police and other parties.
Instead, his administration had set up the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC), which critics say has proven ineffective. They say this is because it has to respond to complaints from 18 different government agencies and does not have the power to prosecute.
Today, the Cabinet agreed to set up the long-awaited IPCMC This was part of seven papers presented during a Cabinet special committee meeting on anti-corruption measures.
Lee added the reforms would improve the image of the country as complaints will be handled by an independent body.
Almost all developed countries have an Ombudsman. In Australia, for instance, it investigates the Australian government, public schemes, private education providers and private health insurance.
In New Zeland, it protects the rights of whistleblowers, monitors detention camps and disability conventions. It also investigates complaints against state agencies and initiates investigations.
Klang MP Charles Santiago has recommended EAIC chairman Yaakob Md Sam to head IPCMC due to his good track record while heading EAIC.
“I recommend him. He gave a fair hearing to everyone concerned.”
Santiago, who has often raised concerns over deaths in custody, said the government is proceeding in the right direction, part of Pakatan Harapan’s commitment given during the 14th general election.
“At least in terms of institutional reforms, we are heading in the right direction,” he said, adding that the IPCMC must be as neutral as possible to curb any form of manipulation in future.
The Klang MP also said the perception that the police get away with human rights violations all the time is not true.
“There are good policemen. The commission will ensure there are checks and balances and the process is fair to all.”
In addition, the Cabinet also announced that Malaysian Institute of Integrity will be placed under the newly-established National Centre for Governance, Integrity and Anti-Corruption (GIACC).
Other changes agreed on included for the National Integrity and Good Governance Department (JITN) to be absorbed into GIACC.
The last measure was to better manage the promotions of high-level civil servants to reduce dissatisfaction among the ranks.
The Cabinet also agreed to suggestions by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to amend the Suhakam Act to allow it more enforcement and mediation powers.
“The commission also wants its annual report to be debated in Parliament,” it said.
The government also agreed to appoint Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali and Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Liew Vui Keong to represent it in carrying out discussions with the opposition.
“This is to get the opposition’s support on matters regarding amendments that require two-thirds support in Parliament.”
Lawyers for Liberty head Latheefa Koya also welcomed the government’s move to create IPCMC although it was “long overdue”.
She hoped the commission is given the necessary powers and is made truly independent in carrying out its functions