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PRIME MINISTER Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has pledged thorough and transparent investigations into all deaths in custody, dismissing perceptions that such incidents disproportionately affect any single ethnic group.
Responding to a question from Senator Amir Md Ghazali during a session in the Dewan Negara, Anwar cited official figures since the establishment of the Independent Police Conduct Commission (IPCC) in 2024.
“The facts tell a different story. Since the IPCC was formed in 2024, there have been 57 deaths in custody: 25 Malays, 4 Indians, 9 Chinese, 15 foreign nationals, and 4 Bumiputera from Sabah and Sarawak,” he said.
Anwar stressed that, although the number of deaths is relatively small, continuous monitoring and accountability measures are enforced by the IPCC.
Acknowledging certain operational shortcomings within law enforcement, he insisted that negative perceptions of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) are unfair.
“Certainly, there are some weaknesses that we cannot deny, but to portray a negative image is, in my view, unjust. Especially regarding PDRM, in all the actions I have outlined, they have demonstrated their capability through integrity processes, securing substantial results for the nation,” he added.
The Prime Minister further emphasised that police efforts against criminals and smugglers have been significant, even if public perception does not fully reflect these achievements. \
“Their actions against criminals and smugglers have been effective, but perceptions remain different,” he said. - December 16, 2025