Umno MPs want Penal Code amendments retracted

PARLIAMENT A couple BN MPs have voiced their disagreement with the government’s own proposed amendments to the Penal Code which are being debated in Dewan Rakyat today, and even asked for the bill to be retracted.

Both Azalina Othman (BN-Pengerang) and Bung Moktar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) surprisingly disagreed with the tabled amendments, arguing that the amendments were generic and could imprison innocent people.

The duo were the only MPs debating on the matter for BN.

Azalina took particular exception to the proposal to jail individuals for a minimum of five years for showing disrespect to the national flag Jalur Gemilang.

"What if it is just a young boy who did not think of the consequences of his actions? He would go to jail with rapists and murderers," she said when debating the amendments in the Dewan Rakyat today.

"Please have mandatory counselling for these cases. If the same (person) repeats the offence five or 10 times, then it is understandable (to penalise them). If someone burns the national flag, chances are that the person is naughty (or) insane, not bad per se.”

She also said that provisions in the amendment to punish those who aided organised crime was too wide and not specific enough.

"The government must think of how to make the law more specific, otherwise we will victimise many innocent people," she said.

"I ask the government to retract the bill and study it again," she said in ending her debate.

Meanwhile Bung (right), often known to be a vocal backbencher and supporter of the government's every move, said that he would not vote for the amendments to be passed and asked the bill to be retracted before it goes to the voting stage.

"This law is not good. It makes our country like a jail. If my friend (Azalina) asked to retract the bill, I also ask for it to be retracted before going for debate," he said.

"Even the people do not like it, people in villages put up posters, carry a knife, they do not know the law, but they will have to go to jail," he added, referring to proposed laws against vandalism in the amendments.

"If the law is not good, why support it? I'm not like the opposition, who always follow what their boss says," he jibed.

Rape laws applicable for transgenders?

Earlier, Azalina drew laughter from the House with her remarks about rape affecting men.

It was prompted by Sim Tze Tzin (PKR- Bayan Baru, left) asking Azalina whether the rape laws are applicable to men who undergo sex change operations or transgender.

"Depends on whether the person still has 'it' or not. The person is still a man if he can still perform. Please demonstrate, explain, how a man can be raped," she asked.

However, deputy speaker Ismail Mohamed Said prevented the discussion from progressing further as there were schoolchildren observing the proceedings.

"It doesn't matter what it says on your IC (male or female). It's about whether you have it 'down' there or not," she said.