SHAH ALAM, August 2: Malaysia does not need laws for ‘preventive detention’ such as the Emergency Ordinance (EO) and the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the fight against crime because it is vulnerable to the abuse of Acts by the government.
PKR also questioned how supposedly, a huge amount of criminal activity involving violence recently were committed by prisoners released after the abolition of the EO.
According to PKR Communications Director, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, the arguments raised by parties who want to restore the said Acts were not backed up with strong and clear evidence linking the abolition of the EO and the ISA to the increase in crime rates.
“Without strong hard evidence, the arguments of those who want to reintroduce the EO and ISA are mere opinions.
“We would also like to ask, why these criminals cannot be arrested and prosecuted under the existing laws?
“Why authorities are only of the opinion that detention without trial – which is usually only used in times of emergency – can tackle violent crimes and what is preventing the authorities from acting against crime and criminals according to the existing laws?” asked Nik Nazmi in a statement today.
Ni Nazmi, who is also the Seri Setia Assemblyman, said that the government should increase the list of police officers, where their resources and time are devoted to the prevention of crime rather than selective prosecutions that are politically motivated.
“Malaysia no longer requires laws that are cruel and divide the community because such laws have and can be abused by the government for political purposes.
“It is important for Malaysians to realise that the growing crime rate cannot be used as an excuse to threaten the basic rights of the people and it is very necessary for Malaysians to unite to urge the government to provide safety and defend the freedom of the people,” he added.
In the meantime, he also questioned the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak for introducing the Security Offences (Special Measures) (SOSMA) after abolishing the EO and the ISA supposedly ad part of his transformation efforts in addition to announcing intentions to repeal the Sedition Act, however prosecution under the said Act is ever increasing.