Police laud move to keep drugs illegal

KUALA LUMPUR: The police backed the government and called its firm stance of keeping recreational drugs illegal a wise move.

Federal police Narcotics Crimes Investigations Department (NCID) director Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohmad Salleh said yesterday that any suggestion on legalising the use of illegal narcotics should be shot down as it was detrimental to the nation.

“How can this ever be allowed? Not only will this lead to a rise in violent crimes but fear among the public. It will do no good and tear the nation to bits.” he told theSun when contacted.

He was commenting on a statement by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi that the government will stand firm against any move to legalise the use of narcotics in the country.

He also said that despite their best efforts, the government had failed to effectively combat the drug problem in the country.

PKR vice-president Nurul Izzah Anwar said she applauded the home minister’s admission, but urged for an immediate holistic reform to address the drug menace.

“We need a thorough and transparent mechanism of disclosure in Parliament, and more effective ways to manage addiction.

“Ahmad Zahid must present a holistic plan for reforms, from existing legislation to prevention, with the involvement of rightful enforcement agencies and other related stakeholders,” she told theSun.

Echoing her call for a reform on efforts to address drug issues, Persatuan Pengasih Malaysia president Datuk Yunus Pathi said more attention should be given to prevention, adding that the country only emphasised on drug awareness programmes.

He said for a start, grants should be provided to universities to conduct research on effective preventive methods, and not merely be given to anti-drug agencies and NGOs.