Zahid: 'No' to withdrawal of PCA, 'Yes' to tweaking

Zahid said that although there are groups that think that the Act must be withdrawn or stalled, he expressed that the government is unable to do so.

“Eventhough there are some parties who think that it should be stalled, we cannot stop because we need to apply this law now. (There are) those who are arrested who cannot be brought to court because there are no amendments, so these amendments must be approved,” Zahid told reporters at the Parliament lobby at lunch time.

He had begun his speech to table the Bill for second reading, after which debates are expected over the proposed legislation. “The debate will be done after I finish the second reading. I think that because this is a very important amendment,” he said.

However, Zahid also said that the government has received feedback from various groups, including objection to a few clauses in the proposed Bill from the Opposition and NGO and Bar Council.

"We are open to study a few matters that are reasonable and to amend in the committee stage (after second reading),” he said.

"Don't close the door and claim that the government is not willing to listen and have discussions with those who feel that this law is something that must be rejected 100%”

Asked if the current version of the Bill was final, Zahid replied: “This is definitely it is not final. I need the consent from the Government before we do the final amendment. We will table it in the committee level, there are a few suggestions, we will articulate the suggestions.”

However, Zahid refused to clarify if those amendments include the clauses in question, which include detention without trial and a lack of judicial review.

Zahid said that there is, in fact, a review by the High Court, adding that he would explain further during his speech.