Groups question stiffer fines for defying cops, urge Senate to halt bill

 

Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the Senate to block the Police Act amendments passed by the Dewan Rakyat last week.

The groups expressed concerns over several of the amendments, including stiffer fines for disobeying police.

In a joint statement today, the groups criticised the government for not engaging with stakeholders before introducing the bill to Parliament.

“We are disappointed that the government’s modus operandi in passing this Bill (without prior consultation) is the same as previous governments.

“This approach is not only undemocratic but also ignores the principles of reform and transparency that the government purports to champion,” they said in a joint statement today.

The statement was signed by Suaram, Liga Demokrasi Rakyat, Centre for Independent Journalism, Justice for Sisters, Hayat, Amnesty International Malaysia, Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, Citizens Against Enforced Disappearances, Malaysian Islamic Youth Movement, Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity, and All Women’s Action Society.

Collectively, the group for the police accountability cluster of Malaysian CSOs.

One of the contentious amendments to the Police Act the group highlighted is the revision of Section 21, which significantly increases the penalties for obstructing police orders.

The fine has been raised from RM200 to RM10,000, and imprisonment terms from three months to two years.

‘Little Napoleons’

They questioned how an officer can determine whether the orders they give are reasonable or not.

“Given that the existing mechanisms for police supervision are ineffective, does this amendment not open avenues for abuse of power and corruption?

“We fear that ‘Little Napoleons’ will do as they please after this,” they said.

Meanwhile, concerns were also raised about the amendments’ implications for peaceful assemblies under the Peaceful Assembly Act, and whether these harsher punishments for not complying with police orders would also apply to protesters.

Additionally, the groups also sought an explanation as to why the Yang di-Pertuan Agong is now the honorary chief commissioner of police.

“How does the government ensure that this appointment is consistent and does not conflict with the foundational principles of our constitutional monarchy?” they asked.

The government passed the Police Act amendments in the Dewan Rakyat last Thursday.

The Bill is currently in the queue to be debated in the Dewan Negara. - Mkini