Lee
KOTA KINABALU: The Malaysia Crime Prevention Foundation (MCPF) notes with extreme concern the current spate of violent crime involving the use of firearms.
“As a non-government organization working with the public in areas pertaining to crime prevention awareness and education, we have received calls and feedback from the public about their concern that the country is sliding to a state of lawlessness,” said MCPF vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
He said the setting up of yet another high-powered task force to investigate and track down those responsible for the rampant shootings has yet to reassure the public that these serious crimes are under control.
The latest statement from the Prime Minister that he and his Cabinet are taking the matter very seriously will certainly be welcomed by all Malaysians who are concerned about the state of law and order in the country, said Lee in a statement yesterday.
He said the Prime Minister’s proposal that new legislation, containing tough anti-crime measures, needs to be introduced to replace the abolished Emergency Ordinance to bring back public peace and confidence is a matter that must be considered seriously by all law-abiding Malaysians.
“We are aware that there are several quarters who are not in favour of introducing any form of preventive law to replace the Emergency Ordinance in the name of human rights.
“Similarly there are also many Malaysians out there who are also arguing for the rights of those who have been the victims of these violent crimes, particularly with regard to their right to be free from crime.
“While we need to respect human rights of the suspects involved in crimes, it is equally important that the rights of the victims of crime must also be given due recognition,” said Lee.
With this in mind, the MCPF and the Asian Strategy of Leadership Institute (ASLI) will be jointly organizing a Forum on Current Legislation and Other Measures to fight serious and violent crimes more effectively on August 24 at the Sunway Resort Hotel in Kuala Lumpur.
An important aspect of the forum is to discuss the extent to which the Royal Malaysian Police is equipped with adequate laws and resources to tackle crime and what further measures can be adopted to address serious and organised violent crimes.
“Does Malaysia have sufficient crime prevention laws? Do we need additional legislation, especially new legislation of a preventive nature to deal with an exceptional situation as the one we are facing now. What other measures can be adopted to reduce the crime rate?
“We shall be inviting government and non-government organizations to present important papers for discussion by participants,” said Lee.
He added the seven papers to be prepared will offer a balanced view with regard to the pros and cons for preventive laws and other measures needed to deal with an exceptional situation.
The MCPF Exco which meets on August 19 will also discuss the matter concerning serious and violent crimes in the country.