PUTRAJAYA, June 8 — The government is prepared to undertake further investigations into the findings and conclusions of the public inquiry panel convened by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia over last year’s incident involving the alleged ill-treatment of a newly admitted inmate at Kamunting Prison in Taiping, Perak.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail said the Royal Malaysia Police is expected to carry out or complete investigations into the incident based on Suhakam’s report, which he recently presented to the Cabinet.

“If a case has gone through an investigation process, regardless of which body conducted it, with convincing evidence and witnesses interviewed, and a report is subsequently produced.

“If it requires follow-up investigations by the police, for example, our principle is clear: what is right is right, what is wrong is wrong, and wrongdoing will not be defended.

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

Saifuddin Nasution stressed that the government would not shield any party involved in the incident.

“Telling the truth may be bitter, but its long-term impact is far better. This is also a question of integrity within our organisation. As for the reputation of the Prisons Department throughout my three years here, I am very proud of this department,” he said.

On May 27, media reports said the Malaysian Prisons Department would fully cooperate with relevant authorities in reviewing the report and conclusions of Suhakam’s public inquiry panel into the alleged mistreatment of a new prisoner at Taiping Prison last year.

The department said it viewed seriously every finding, recommendation and issue raised in the report, including allegations relating to prison management and prison personnel in connection with the incident.

In its final findings on the inquiry into the riot at Taiping Prison on January 17, 2025, which resulted in the death of an elderly detainee, Suhakam’s Public Inquiry Panel recommended that the facility be converted into a museum, saying it was no longer suitable for use as a prison. — Bernama