{
  "id": 5760485,
  "title": "Orange suits out, double standards must too, says criminologist",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/orange-suits-out-double-standards-must-too-says-criminologist",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-05T10:05:37.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2026/09/1526291/orange-suits-out-double-standards-must-too-says-criminologist"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KUALA LUMPUR: A criminologist has welcomed the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) decision to stop requiring suspects to wear its orange uniform during pre-trial detention, but emphasized the policy must apply equally to all individuals, regardless of their status, wealth or political influence. Dr Haezreena Begum Abdul Hamid stressed the importance of separating investigation from punishment, stating that the orange uniform can reinforce the presumption of guilt. She argued that civilian clothing better reflects the suspect's position in the criminal justice process. However, Haezreena cautioned that the move could undermine public confidence if it appears to create double standards between ordinary suspects and prominent individuals. She called for a clear, written policy governing clothing and the use of restraints, with any discrepancies based on objective factors. The criminologist also highlighted the potential reputational and psychological consequences for suspects who are photographed in orange uniforms, even if they are later acquitted. Haezreena suggested that civilian clothing could reduce the visual impression of guilt and shift focus back to the court proceedings, while restraints should be determined by factors such as risk of escape, violence and danger to others, rather than being imposed automatically or waived solely based on prominence.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission's (MACC) decision to stop requiring suspects to wear its orange uniform during remand proceedings is appropriate, but the policy must be applied equally regardless of a person's status, wealth or political position, said a criminologist.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}