Fine-tuning amendments to Dangerous Drugs Act

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is making changes to proposed amendments to the Dangerous Drugs Act (DDA) to give full discretion to judges in meting out sentences under Section 39B.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said (BN-Pengerang) said the decision was made after considering objections on one of the clauses in the amendments.

“The changes prove the government’s openness, especially the prime minister (Datuk Seri Najib Abdul Razak) ,who always listens to the views of various groups to ensure every decision is made inclusively,” Azalina said in a statement yesterday.

She said the new changes would allow the court discretion in evaluating if a convict has cooperated with authorities for a lighter sentence, and not bound by a written declaration by the public prosecutor as stated in the current version of the amendments.

“The proposed changes in the bill were also made after considering the government’s intention in sending out a preventive message, as well as improving the enforcement operations in combating drug dealings in this country,” Azalina said.

The Dangerous Drugs Act (Amendment) 2017 was tabled for first reading on Nov 23.

In the initial proposed amendments, the courts could not exercise its power to sentence those convicted without a written declaration from the public prosecutor.

This was met with criticisms from various parties, including opposition lawmakers and the Bar Council.