cheahsoonhai

Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's statement is overzealous

Cheah Soon Hai stresses that Chinese community takes crime issue seriously

 
 

Press statement by

Gerakan Central Bureau on Environment, Safety and Quality of Life Chairman

Dr Cheah Soon Hai

 
 

8 July 2013

 
 

Regarding the statement made by the Home Minister, Ahmad Zahid Hamidi saying that the repelment of the Emergency Ordinance (EO) has caused criminals to be let go easily and increasing the crime rate, Gerakan Central Bureau on Environment, Security and Quality of Life Chairman, Dr Cheah Soon Hai voiced his disagreement, saying that it is because of the police having a take it easy attitude that causes these criminals to be let go scot-free.

 
 

He pointed out that Ahmad Zahid's statement regarding the increase of crime rate was due to the abolishment of the EO as nonsense, also demonstrating that Malaysia is moving backwards. He said that there was no such kind of law in the United States or Hong Kong but they are still able to combat crimes effectively.

 
 

"The reason of the increasing crime rate was because the police did not undertake a serious investigation, causing the accused to be freed easily and repeating their crimes."

 
 

He added that the EO will only encourage the police to rest on their laurels while investigating, but rely on their instincts to take action which is not right. In face of the law, everyone is innocent until proven guilty and if the police rely on their instinct to arrest an individual, this is against the fundamental principles of the law."

 
 

"Another reason why the crime sky-rocketed dramatically was due to the police not prioritizing petty crimes such as stealing or harassment. When these criminals are charged in court but being freed due to the inadequate amount of evidence, this will encourage them to become bolder to commit a serious crime."

 
 

Dr Cheah pointed out another weakness of the EO that it will also encourage abuse of power and if there is an identical law to replace the EO, the IPCMC must also be set up to convince the public regarding its transparency. Besides, a sentencing committee must also be established to provide a fair judgment to all cases.

 
 

Finally, he disagreed with another Ahmad Zahid's statement saying that the Chinese are not concerned about the crime rate. Dr Cheah said that the Chinese community is very active in organizations such as RELA to combat crime, sacrificing their personal time in order to safeguard their neighbourhood. This proved that the Chinese are unlike what has been described by the current Home Minister.