Eliminating Deaths and Abuse In Custody Together (EDICT) said in a statement today that it was “shocked and disappointed” with Aidi’s statement that the CCTV cameras in the lock-up had no recording function.

“Is the Sarawak police commissioner not aware that the government in May 2013 had made it mandatory to place CCTV cameras in all lock-ups in order to ensure detainee movements are recorded?

“We question how a police commissioner does not know or is unaware of the safety features of detention centres under his care.

It went on to say that placing CCTV cameras in lock-ups was a measure that could “kill two birds with one stone”, namely, to ensure the safety of detainees and prevent allegations of wrongdoing or misconduct against the police.

CCTV recordings, it said, would be vital to validate claims of abuse in lock-ups and custodial deaths.

EDICT also hit out at the decision to allow the rape case to be investigated by Aidi’s deputy, Fisol Salleh.

It asked why a police task force from outside Sarawak was not formed to probe the matter to ensure transparency and prevent any bias.

“This should have been carried out in order to regain public faith and confidence.”

EDICT said that, to date, Aidi had not responded to its queries on the arrest of the minor, which it claimed did not adhere to the Child Act 2001.

Aidi’s statement on the case, it added, raised many doubts and questions as to how police, especially in Sarawak, carried out their duties. It raised doubts about his credibility, it added.

“In the circumstances, we urge the Sarawak police commissioner to resign with immediate effect based on his failure to uphold his duties and to prevent the crime against the minor in this case.”

Police chiefs nationwide, it said, must be cognisant of what was needed in all lock-ups under their care, especially where it involved detainees’ safety.