Groups give mixed reaction to proposed changes to PCA

PETALING JAYA: Malaysians Against Rape, Assault and Snatch (Marah) views the proposed amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) as a move that will enhance the police crime-fighting capabilities.

“These tougher measures are needed especially when you are up against violent gangs and their kingpins,” says its founder Dave Avran.

“The kingpins order the hits, but they don’t pull the trigger themselves. So without the PCA, the police will be somewhat powerless against these kingpins.”

“For instance, with Ops Cantas Khas, we hear that some senior police officers are getting death threats,” he said, adding that these criminals must be stopped and the only way to do so was to go after the big guns.

Human Rights Commission’s (Suhakam) chairman Tan Sri Hasmy AgamlamentedthattheGovernment had not sought its views before it tabled the amendments.

“Suhakam would support steps taken by the authorities to ensure public security, as long as they are consistent with the universal principles of human rights that we are obliged to uphold as a responsible United Nations member state and a sitting member of the UN Human Rights Council,” he added.

Persatuan Promosi Hak Asasi Manusia (Proham) secretary-general Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria criticised the move to detain a person without trial for up to two years, adding that it amounted to a violation of human rights.

“Malaysia must invest in strengthening investigative policing and bring the suspects to an open court.

“There is no shortcut to crime prevention as detention without trial has not been effective in the past to address serious crimes,” he said.

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Forensic Science Programme lecturer Dr Geshina Ayu Mat Saat supported the proposal to set up a prevention of crime board.

However, it must have a female representative.

“It is a good proposal to have a prevention of crime board.

“In most crimes, women and children are victims. Experts in different fields should be roped in to approach the issue of detention in a holistic manner and cover as many psycho-social risks and outcomes,” she said.

Dr Geshina said the proposed amendment to the PCA appeared to be an improvement to the Emergency Ordinance (EO).

But she questioned the need to detain a person for two years and an extended two-year detention to obtain evidence to justify theremand time or collect evidence.

“Does our criminal justice system really need that long a time to process a case and come to a decision?” she said.