KUALA LUMPUR: There was no racial discrimination against individuals who died in lockups under the custody of Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin.
He said the matter is proven with the low percentage of deaths at 0.015 per cent out of 63,773 detainees registered from January to September this year or 10 deaths.
The percentage for last year was also low at 0.014 per cent or 13 deaths out of 91,246 detainees in RMP lockups.
"I wish to clarify the matter so that it would not be made another racial issue as raised in the past.
"Our emotions made us get carried away until it became something big in our country," he said when winding up the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) at Dewan Rakyat today.
He said the Home Ministry (KDN) is now in the process of improving the management of RMP lockups by appointing private clinics so that the level of health of detainees is established before entering the lockup.
Other efforts included the installation of closed- circuit television (cctv) at all police lockups which is expected to be completed by the end of the year with the project divided into five zones, north, south, east, Sabah and Sarawak, he said.
Hamzah's reminder that Members of Parliament refrained from making death cases in lockup as a racial issue however sparked off a tense situation when several opposition MPs stood up to intervene, seeking additional time, written answers and further explanation on the issue.
Among those who stood up were P. Kasthuriraani (PH-Batu Kawan), M. Karupaiya (PH-Padang Serai), P. Prabkaran (PH-Batu) and Maria Chin Abdulllah (PH-Petaling Jaya).
The situation caused Dewan Rakyat Speaker Datuk Azhar Azizan Harun to warn all MPs to adhere and respect the stipulated time.
"The time allocated for (minister's winding up) is over, understand? This is not the time to debate some more...this is the time for the minister to reply and the minister has replied.
"Honourable Members, I noticed that almost 90 per cent of you do not abide by the standing orders yet I still allow Members to intervene...now the time for Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Minister is not enough, with 10 minutes left. So please follow the rules," he said.
The first day of 12MP winding up saw 11 ministries completing winding matters raised by MPs during four days of debate while 12 more ministries are scheduled to wind up the debate tomorrow.
The Dewan Rakyat will sit again tomorrow.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Oct 05 2021
There was no racial discrimination against individuals who died in lockups under the custody of Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), said Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin. - BERNAMA photo
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.