Malaysia
Malaysian Bar slams Zahid for bringing nation into disrepute
October 08, 2013
The recent statements by Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi are shameful and have brought the government and the country into disrepute, said the Bar Council.
Its president Christopher Leong (pic) said in a statement today that the Bar was shocked and appalled by the statements made by Ahmad Zahid at a function in Malacca on Saturday.
“The Malaysian Bar deplores and condemns the statements by the home minister because they reveal his disregard for the rule of law, his indifference to human rights, and his lack of respect for debate and argument in Parliament.
“His statements could be interpreted to support extra-judicial killings by the police,” Leong said.
He was referring to statements made by Ahmad Zahid to the effect that the police are to shoot first and ask questions later; the recent amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 as his own law; and in the event there is no evidence or there is insufficient evidence, suspects should be put away for two years.
Ahmad Zahid 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.
He is further reported to have said that a criminal group known as Tiga Line, which has been declared unlawful, are benevolent gangsters and encouraged them to continue with their activities.
Leong also noted that Ahmad Zahid had apparently threatened reporters from reporting on what was said at the event in Malacca and gone on to threaten to shut down newspapers.
“It is outrageous for the Home Minister to threaten to use his official position in an attempt to cow the media and shield himself,“ added Leong. - October 8, 2013.
Malaysian Bar slams Zahid for bringing nation into disrepute
October 08, 2013
The recent statements by Home Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi are shameful and have brought the government and the country into disrepute, said the Bar Council.
Its president Christopher Leong (pic) said in a statement today that the Bar was shocked and appalled by the statements made by Ahmad Zahid at a function in Malacca on Saturday.
“The Malaysian Bar deplores and condemns the statements by the home minister because they reveal his disregard for the rule of law, his indifference to human rights, and his lack of respect for debate and argument in Parliament.
“His statements could be interpreted to support extra-judicial killings by the police,” Leong said.
He was referring to statements made by Ahmad Zahid to the effect that the police are to shoot first and ask questions later; the recent amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 as his own law; and in the event there is no evidence or there is insufficient evidence, suspects should be put away for two years.
Ahmad Zahid 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.
He is further reported to have said that a criminal group known as Tiga Line, which has been declared unlawful, are benevolent gangsters and encouraged them to continue with their activities.
Leong also noted that Ahmad Zahid had apparently threatened reporters from reporting on what was said at the event in Malacca and gone on to threaten to shut down newspapers.
“It is outrageous for the Home Minister to threaten to use his official position in an attempt to cow the media and shield himself,“ added Leong. - October 8, 2013.
