'Zahid can be charged with sedition'

The Malaysian Bar is shocked and appalled by recent revelations in the media with respect to what was said by Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, the Home Minister, at a speech delivered at the Malacca International Trade Centre in Ayer Keroh, Melaka, on 5 October 2013.

The Home Minister was reported to have stated in effect that:-

(a) the police are to shoot first and ask questions later;

(b) the recent amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 providing for detention without trial was his own law; and

(c) in the event there is no evidence or there is insufficient evidence, the suspects would be put away for two years.

The Home Minister is also reported to have said that the majority of gangsters were Malaysians of Indian descent, that the victims were of another race, and that there was therefore nothing wrong in arresting or shooting them. The Home Minister is further reported to have said that a criminal group known as Tiga Line which has been declared unlawful by the Home Ministry to be benevolent gangsters and had encouraged them to continue with their activities.

The Malaysian Bar deplores and condemns the statements by the Home Minister because it reveals his complete disregard for the rule of law, his indifference to human rights, and his utter lack of respect for debate and argument in Parliament. His statements could be interpreted to support extra-judicial killings by the Police.

The Minister’s scant regard for the views of fellow Parliamentarians demonstrates that any talk about considering the views and proposals of others including non-governmental organisations and civil society is a charade.

It should be remembered that the Home Minister promised to produce data and statistics to Parliament and the public to justify his statement that the spike in serious crime was due to the repeal of the Internal Security Act 1960 and the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969. He has failed to provide an iota of evidence to support his contention. Instead it is reported that he resorted to collusion with the Inspector General of Police and the Minister in charge of parliamentary affairs in the push for the amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959.

The Home Minister has also apparently threatened reporters from reporting on what was said at the event in Melaka and gone on to threaten to shut down newspapers. This attempt to silence the media is indicative that he appreciates the wrongness of his statements. It is outrageous for the Home Minister to threaten to use his official position in an attempt to cow the media and shield himself.

His statement supporting the use of excessive force in dealing with criminals in effect encourages a shoot-to-kill policy. This is extremely worrying and irresponsible conduct by the Home Minister.

The Home Minister appears to have overstepped the line and possibly committed an offence under the Sedition Act. The statements by the Home Minister are shameful and have brought the Government and the country into disrepute.

Statement issued by:

Christopher Leong

President

Malaysian Bar