CHAPTER 1 Embassies and High Commission at the same time should be committed to assist their citizens by way of consular services, financial assistance, and food supplies. 5. ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION (RTD) ON THE INDEPENDENT POLICE CONDUCT COMMISSION (IPCC) On 26 November, SUHAKAM and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) organised an RTD to discuss the IPCC and compile recommendations from civil society organisations (CSOs) and relevant government agencies on the current Bill. Commissioners Dato’ Mah Weng Kwai and Dato’ Seri Mohd Hishamudin Md Yunus were among the panellists. This RTD was held in light of the IPCC Bill 2020 tabled in the Dewan Rakyat in August 2020. The Bill did not capture the substantive essence of its predecessor, the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill 2019, and the recommendations from the 2005 Royal Commission of Inquiry (RCI). The IPCC Bill lacks independence and weakens the functions of the IPCC. It does not accord any disciplinary power to deal with police misconduct.4 There are various provisions that hinder the conduct of investigations, and any matters that fall under the Inspector General’s Standing Orders (IGSO) will be excluded from the investigation. The Bill also lacks disciplinary powers and does not promote public confidence in the police nor is it independent, accountable or transparent. Furthermore, the Bill does not reflect diversity in the appointment of its Commissioners nor assures protection for whistleblowers. Various stakeholders including SUHAKAM and CSOs have made numerous recommendations to the Government in the past to enhance police accountability and promote good governance. However, this was not realised in the IPCC Bill. The RTD recommends that SUHAKAM and CSOs intensify public awareness of the Bill through social media, mainstream TV, radio, and newspapers. Information on the Bill should be made in Bahasa Malaysia and disseminated to the public. The RTD also acknowledged and thanked the late Datuk Liew Vui Keong for his dedication and time to realisation of the then IPCMC Bill. 4 SUHAKAM’s Press Statement on 27 August 2020. ANNUAL REPORT 2020 25