KUALA LUMPUR (March 25): Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called for a postponement of the Police (Amendment) Bill 2024 at the Dewan Negara, saying there is a need for the government to engage with stakeholders.

The bill, which contains 10 amendments to the Police Act 1967, was passed by the Dewan Rakyat last week.

The amendments include empowering police officers to conduct escort duty on any public road, and increasing the maximum fine for anyone obstructing, resisting, or disobeying police in carrying out these duties from RM200 to RM10,000, and imprisonment from three months to two years.

Epsom College in Malaysia ("Epsom") is proud to announce that it has been awarded the esteemed double Beacon status from the Council of British International Schools ("COBIS") in recognition of its excellence providing the highest standards of 'Student Welfare' and 'Leadership in the School' globally. Out of COBIS' 450 members, Epsom is the first and only school in Malaysia, of only 6 schools worldwide, to be awarded the double Beacon Status, highlighting its commitment to excellence in education, innovation in teaching practices, and dedication to fostering a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for its students.

“The question that arises is how does a police officer determine whether an instruction is reasonable or not? Considering that the existing police oversight mechanism is ineffective, could this amendment open the door to abuse of power and corruption?

"We are concerned that "Little Napoleon" tendencies may prevail. Additionally, does this provision render Section 186 of the Penal Code [obstructing a public servant in the discharge of his duties] redundant?" the CSOs said in a statement on Monday.

The organisations, which include human rights groups Suaram and Amnesty International Malaysia, stressed the importance of inclusive drafting and consultation processes for all legislations, especially when it pertains to matters of public interest.
 
Considering that the Royal Malaysian Police is the nation's largest law enforcement agency and the documented cases of police power abuse, the CSOs said it is crucial to include public opinion when amending the Police Act.

“We also emphasise that the government, especially the Ministry of Home Affairs, should adopt a human rights-based approach when formulating policies or amending laws related to the general population. Whether it's amending constitutional provisions regarding citizenship issues, revising the Sedition Act, or the Police Bill (Amendment) 2024, the relevant minister must listen to and consider the views and objections of the Malaysian people. The minister should refrain from implementing anything based on personal whims or self-serving political interests, and should not go against the wishes and interests of the general populace,” the groups said.

Concerning the alignment with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the groups urged the government to specify whether peaceful assemblies or demonstrations fall under the purview of Sections 21 and 26 of the Police Act, and if not, to amend the legal provisions accordingly.

The other CSOs that endorsed the statement include Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ), Democratic People’s League (LRD), Justice for Sisters, Hayat, The Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4), Citizens Against Enforced Disappearances (Caged), Angkatan Belia Islam Malaysia (Abim), Malaysian Action for Justice and Unity (Maju) and All Women's Action Society (Awam).

 
 

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