Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said that starting next year, the government will take bolder steps in addressing issues deemed sensitive and controversial, including matters related to enforcement, language, and race.
"I feel the time has come for us to move more boldly, starting next year, on delayed issues considered sensitive or controversial. We must face them with greater firmness and courage, including the effectiveness of enforcement agencies and decisiveness in taking action.
"This is to ensure that processes and regulations are adhered to. That is why I am proud today that, for the first time, the attorney-general has decided that we will not defend any major criminal misconduct in our country...
"... including studying the possibility of prosecuting offenders in the Malacca shooting case under Section 302 (of the Penal Code). In my view, this did not often happen under previous circumstances. It is vital that we restore confidence in our national institutions," he was quoted as saying by Bernama.
On Tuesday, the Attorney-General’s Chambers announced that the fatal shooting in Durian Tunggal last month had been reclassified as a murder case, following an examination of the police report.
On Nov 24, police shot and killed three men, aged 24 to 29, after one allegedly attacked an officer with a machete in an oil palm plantation.
However, lawyers representing the men’s families challenged the police account after an audio recording emerged of a woman speaking to one of the suspects, suggesting it was an alleged extrajudicial killing.
Respect the process
Anwar stated that the processes of other enforcement agencies, including the MACC and the Inland Revenue Board, not only require firmer and more effective execution but also necessitate that the process itself be respected.
At the same time, the prime minister emphasised that the government will not bow down or remain silent in the face of distorted narratives involving race and religion that threaten national harmony.
"Look at the issues of race, language, and the economy - we must face them with firmer action. We cannot simply play with racial or religious sentiments to the point that it ultimately hinders the nation's progress," he said.
As an example, he noted that when he appointed a non-Malay minister to lead the Federal Territories Ministry, many cast negative aspersions despite the fact that the entire team works together to help the community regardless of race.
Yesterday, Anwar slammed those who criticised his decision to appoint DAP deputy secretary-general Hannah Yeoh as the minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Federal Territories).
"To reject a person because of her colour and race, this is atrocious in this day and age. Sometimes, I just can’t understand the level of tolerance of some people," he added. - Mkini
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.