I read in shock the statement by Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in his speech after launching a new book titled “Poca: Nafas Baharu Banteras Jenayah” that opponents of the recent amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act, 1959 (POCA) were “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and were actually protecting criminals.
Zahid was even reported as saying,
“It looks like some quarters who want to prevent crime, are actually supporting crime instead. They seem to be seen as human rights defenders but are having double standards.”
It is shocking that Zahid would come up with yet another nonsensical statement so soon after his infamous ‘a/l Iskandar Kutty’ remark recently when he claimed former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohammad’s real name was Mahathir a/l Iskandar Kutty for reasons best known to him. One would have thought that Zahid would have been more careful with his words after such a faux pas but it seems he has learnt little.
Zahid should display political maturity in thanking all parties who participated in the POCA debate in Parliament, both for and against, as such participation is part and parcel of any democracy and those critical of such amendments, myself included, have every right to raise our concerns regarding the said amendments as they were valid and well founded.
Zahid’s statement goes to show his utter ignorance in matters concerning human rights and may even be seen to influence judges who might one day have to decide on the constitutionality of those amendments in the event they are challenged. What if those amendments are successfully challenged in court or if POCA detainees are set free by the courts vide habeas corpus applications in the future? Would the judges who preside in those cases be seen as “protecting criminals” as well?
Zahid’s position on the matter is most regrettable and certainly does not inspire confidence and ought to be condemned outright.