The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) believes that the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela) plays an important role in efforts to curb the rising number of illegal immigrants.

Commissioner N Siva Subramaniam, who oversees matters concerning the body made it clear though that Suhakam does not support the use of Emergency laws under which Rela was formed.

"It's not that we support Emergency laws, we have to abolish such laws, but (the need for) Rela is a different issue," he said.

Local and international rights groups have urged the disbanding of Rela based on claims that its personnel have often abused their powers (see chart) under the March 2005 amendments to the Essential (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat) Regulations 1972.

Siva pointed out that the police force and immigration department do not have sufficient personnel to deal with the growing number of illegals.

"Disbanding Rela is not going to solve this problem as the immigration department and police need to employ 10 times more personnel," he told malaysiakini.

Immigration department enforcement director Ishak Mohammed said there were only 2,000 personnel nationwide compared to close to half a million Rela members.

"Rela is a big help to us. Over four months this year, they have already arrested 15,000 illegals... up to now, there is no way other than to depend on Rela," he said.

Ishak described it as "strange" that there have been complaints about how Rela conducts raids when it follows procedures used by the immigration department.

"Rela enforcers are everywhere because of their large numbers. Now people can't take advantage of the illegals like renting to them or hiring them. Perhaps that's why they want (the authority given to Rela) to be given back to the police," he said by way of theorising the reason.

Shortcomings in recruitment

Siva noted there are obvious shortcomings in the recruitment process of Rela personnel, saying the body is "looking for quantity over quality".

Suhakam on its part, has conducted about 30 lectures on human rights for Rela officers - mainly comprising former armed forces personnel - since 2006.

"For many, it was the first time they have heard of human rights. All the while, they have thought they were above the law. But after we explained, the understood that they are not above the law," he said.

He said Rela raids must consider the human rights factor. He suggested that medical and baby supplies be taken along during raids to meet specific needs of detainees, but that raids should not be conducted when immigration depots are full.

Ishak agreed that the immigration depots are overcrowded.

"We have informed Rela that they must check the status of the depot in every state to make sure that there is no overcrowding. The police don't want illegals in their lock-ups either. This has slowed down Rela's work," he said.

Rela personnel hand over detainees to the immigration depots immediately after a raid.

According to Rela director-general Zaidon Asmuni district Rela officers are given blanket approval to carry out operations, but must then submit a report to the police whether or not arrests are made.

Part 1
Rela chief: Give us more power
Q&A: We act within the law

Part 3
'They came with batons and lock-cutters'