Home Ministry told to review outdated laws

TELUK INTAN: The Home Ministry has been asked to review outdated laws to allow heavier penalties to be imposed on offenders as a deterrent sentence.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the law review process in collaboration with the AttorneyGeneral’s Chambers (AGC) was needed to provide legislation and punishments that were deemed ‘futuristic’ and rational to be applied in the future.

“I have instructed the ministry’s legal advisers and the Drafting Unit of the AGC to look at all existing laws, not only involving the PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) but also to review the legislations under the ministry’s jurisdictions.

“This is not just about the punishment issue but on the aspects which are not contained in the existing laws...It has to be done in the form of ‘futuristic’ and must be suitable (to be applied) in the next 30 or 50 years,” he said.

Ahmad Zahid was speaking to reporters after launching the Subsidy Scheme and Preliminary Aid to PDRM members at the Hilir Perak Police Headquarters here yesterday.

He was asked to comment on a statement by Attorney-General, Tan Sri Mohamed Apandi Ali who said the penalty under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 (Act 336) must be reviewed.

Mohamed Apandi was referring to a case where a woman was fined RM100 by the magistrates’ court in Johor Bahru for writing the word ‘babi’ (pig) on her traffic summons.

He said the sentence against the woman was already the maximum penalty allowed under the current provision. Earlier in his speech, Ahmad Zahid said the construction of a Mara Junior Science College (MRSM) in Perak dedicated for the children of the force, would begin next month.

He said the MRSM would apply the ‘ulul albab’ (integrated lifestyle based on Quranic teachings) concept.

“I want the society to change their perceptions on the children of police members, saying that they are indisciplined when it comes to education, with no good qualities and they don’t excel academically.

“Give (them) a chance to prove that they can excel academically and spiritually. This is my commitment. Not only for those in Teluk Intan but also to other children of police members and officers nationwide,” said Zahid.

I have instructed the ministry’s legal advisers and the Drafting Unit of the AGC to look at all existing laws, not only involving the PDRM (Royal Malaysia Police) but also to review the legislations under the ministry’s jurisdictions. — Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister