Saifuddin Nasution says the government is ready to facilitate further investigation of the findings of Suhakam’s public inquiry into the Taiping prison unrest.
putrajaya: The government is set to facilitate further investigation into the findings and conclusions of the public inquiry conducted by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) into the Taiping Prison unrest 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 the proper investigative process, where evidence is collected, witnesses are interviewed, and the findings are compiled into a report, then any necessary follow-up investigations 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.”
“The message is very clear. I believe Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail Ismail will continue or complete any necessary investigations taking into account Suhakam’s findings,” he said while addressing the Home Ministry’s monthly meeting here today.
Saifuddin stressed that the government will not protect any individual or institution acting inappropriately in connection with the incident.
“Telling the truth may be painful, but in the long run, it is always better.
He said, “It is also a matter of integrity within our organization. Over the last three years, I am proud of the performance and reputation of the prison department, and that is why integrity must remain paramount.”
On 27 May, the Prisons Department said it would provide full cooperation to the relevant authorities in reviewing the findings and conclusions of Suhakam’s public inquiry into the Taiping Prison incident.
The department said it takes seriously every finding, recommendation and issue highlighted in the report, including allegations related to prison management and personnel.
Earlier, media reports said Suhakam’s public inquiry panel, in its final findings on the riot at Taiping Prison on January 17, 2025, which resulted in the death of an elderly inmate, had recommended that the facility be converted into a museum as it is no longer suitable for use as a prison.
