Shocked with the inhuman and undignified treatment of two Singaporeans who were allegedly told to strip by Immigration officials in Johor Bahru, Gerakan is calling on the government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case and take actions against the officers who used excessive measures in their course of duties. It is an embarassment and will certainly affect our tourism industry.

Gerakan deputy president Dato’ Chang Ko Youn said the government should view the incident seriously as Malaysia’s human rights record ranking is at stake.

“Infringement of human rights and abuses by enforcement authorities should not be tolerated at all and the culprits involved, if found guilty, should face severe punishment,” said Chang, who is also the party’s Head of Human Rights & Law Bureau.

Chang regretted that such an incident had taken place, particularly at a time when bilateral relations between Malaysia and its neighbours, especially with Singapore, had reached a “good and sustainable level”.

He said the so-called “crime” committed by the two women were not so serious to warrant a body search and detention. They were detained for attempting to exit the country illegally.

Chang drew attention to the World Justice Project’s (WJP) Rule of Law Index 2011 Report, which was released on Monday. In the Report, Malaysia ranked first among 19 upper-middle income countries in terms of safety but came in second to last globally on its human rights record.

The Report also mentioned that abuses by the police still occurred. Malaysia must rectify its image.

Chang pointed out that the incident of police “marking X” on the face of women during a raid at a night club in Penang recently was another example of abuse of power and infringing dignity of the arrested persons.

Chang urged the government to take serious note of the Report.

“Certainly, there is a dire need to establish a code of ethics and practice for enforcement authorities to prevent abuses of power or infringement of human rights in the course of duties,” added Chang.

In the incident at the Sultan Iskandar Immigration checkpoint in Johor Bahru on June 9, the two Singaporean women were allegedly told to strip naked and perform squats after being detained. They were given a warning letter and allowed to return to Singapore the following day.