Show us the draft to replace the EO first, says Gobind

Show us the draft to replace the Emergency Ordinance if you want our feedback, said Puchong MP Gobind Singh Deo.

Gobind (left) said Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi should also give an assurance that the new laws do not have provisions of detention without trial.

“If the minister welcomes ideas and suggestions, show the opposition the draft and ensure there will be no such provisions of detention without trial.

“Whilst we are open to suggestions for reform and ideas to improve our criminal justice system, we in the DAP must make it clear from the very outset that we will not support nor participate in any discussion involving laws which provide for detention without trial,” he said.

In 2011, Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had announced the repeal of the EO which provides for detention without trial. As a result, thousands detained at the various detention camp have been released.

Critics, including the Performance Management and Delivery Unit (Pemandu) under the Prime Minister’s Department, claimed the move had resulted in a rise in crime cases, resulting in proposals to introduce new legislation.

Yesterday, Ahmad Zahidi was reported to have said the first draft of a new set of laws to replace the EO was with the Attorney General’s Chambers and the minister welcomed new ideas and suggestions from the opposition and non-government organisations to make it effective.

Inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar also welcomed the move, saying the new legislation should be looked at seriously.

Gobind, who is DAP’s national legal bureau chairperson, emphasised that detention without trial is open to serious abuse and goes against basic human rights.

“Everyone has the right to be heard as it is protected and guaranteed in our federal constitution.

“We are of the view that there is no need for a new set of laws to replace the ordinance as existing laws are sufficient to deal with the situation.

He urged that a complete study be done on how improvements can be made at all levels, including better enforcement of current laws  in order to meet the pressing problem of crime in the country.

Yesterday, Gobind claimed the EO’s removal two years ago washastily done.