Kuala Lumpur, Jan. 26 : Malaysia's Human Resource Minister S. Subramaniam has said that he will ask the Cabinet to look into employing more Indians in the police force at all levels to combat the increasing crime rate among Indian youths.

He said this was necessary in the wake of the controversy surrounding the death of detainee A. Kugan while in police custody.

Subramaniam, who is also the secretary-general of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC), said Kugan's death had raised concerns among all Malaysians.

Twenty-two-year-old Kugan collapsed and died at the Taipan police station in USJ, Subang Jaya, last Tuesday. He was in police remand on charges of being involved in the theft of luxury cars.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said the case was classified as murder as there were bruises on the body, while Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said police would conduct a thorough investigation.

Dr Subramaniam said that while he appreciated police efforts to reduce crime, they should ensure it was done without infringing fundamental human rights.

"The capabilities of the interrogation and investigation personnel in the police force should be enhanced to ensure that they be accountable and professional at all times." The Star quoted him, as saying.

Dr Subramaniam the Government and the MIC would step up efforts to combat the increasing crime rate amongst Indian youths through education, training and motivation. (ANI)