KUALA LUMPUR, July 19 -- Civil rights lawyer Syahredzan Johan today urged the government to engage with the public before passing the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) Bill.

The Bill was tabled yesterday by Minister in the Prime Minister Department (Law) Liew Vui Keong after more than 14 years since the inception of the IPCMC, which was recommended by a royal commission of inquiry in 2005.

The IPCMC Bill was read on the last day of the Dewan Rakyat sitting for the July session and will be tabled again and subsequently voted in October.

In a media statement, Syahredzan said the public should first be allowed to give its feedback and suggestions on the Bill prior to its implementation.

"Because the Bill was...