In reference to the statement by the Inspector General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, who revealed that the police has the authority under the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Amendment 1983) to detain suspects for a period of 72 days to assist in investigations, and the statement by the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Najib Razak who does not agree in reviving the law allowing for detention without trial to curb the increase in crime.
Both the aforementioned statements caused a blow to the Minister of Home Affairs, Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, who has been arguing for the need to reinstate the Emergency Ordinance Act (EO) to combat the increase in serious crimes serious crime that is getting worse.
Firstly, the Inspector General of Police proved that Zahid has been wrong to fight for the EO as a solution to crime and the people have been made aware that there is another act equivalent to the ISA and EO which allows detention for 72 days or two and a half months with a court order!
Second, PM Najib has proven that the cabinet does not agree with Zahid’s recommendations to bring back the EO. Such contradictory statements have further undermined public confidence in Zahid and his ministry. The most important question is, what is the reason behind Zahid wanting to bring back the EO? Is it because the power to use the EO lies in the hands of the minister, while other acts need a court order, or is it merely an implied interview to defend his post as the Vice-President of Umno in the upcoming election?
PAS supports the stand taken by the former Chief Justice, Tun Zaki Azmi for the existing Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (revised 1983) to be amended so as to give power to the police to fight serious crime. PAS hopes that the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (Amendment 1983) will not be abused against the innocent and for any nefarious political purposes.
PAS would also like to congratulate the Royal Malaysian Police on their success of arresting 200 suspects who are believed to have been involved in serious crimes recently. Crime prevention has to be carried out at all times. Crime prevention which is carried out seasonally and not periodically may cause criminals to continue to commit crimes because they feel that their operations can be easily carried out.
