Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan today clarified that the police are not against the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) but are concerned about the lack of an avenue to appeal against its decisions.

It is learnt that the police chief said the force only wanted fairness and justice.

According to Musa, his personnel's basic right to appeal should not be denied when the same privilege is accorded to criminals.

Terming this as a breach of fundamental human rights, he said the police went on to submit a counter proposal to the Attorney-General's Chambers.

However, Musa said if the government decided to implement the IPCMC as it is, the police will continue to be loyal.

No matter what decision the government makes, he stressed that it was the duty of the police to serve the nation.

Misquoted

Musa also said that he was misquoted on his stand regarding the IPCMC in today's reports.

Several news reports claimed that the police chief had objected to the proposal to form the watchdog.

The IPCMC was proposed by the Royal Police Commission to enhance the image and accountability of the police force.

The proposal was welcomed by human rights groups and politicians. Even Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had given it the green light.

Last month, the government said the proposal was in the final stages of study by the AG's Chambers.

Deputy Internal Security Minister Mohd Johari Bahrum had reiterated that the government has endorsed, in principle, the establishment of the IPCMC.

But he said the form of any such watchdog would rely on the findings of the AG's Chambers.

After Musa took office on Monday, several quarters, including the Bar Council and Transparency International, had urged him to support the IPCMC.