KUALA LUMPUR: Former law minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim criticised members of parliament (MPs) for passing amendments to the Police Act.

He called on the Senate to vote against the bill when it would be tabled at the Dewan Negara later.

"The amendments to the Police Act should not have been passed. What's the purpose of increasing fines from RM200 to RM10,000 for not following police instructions at roadblocks?

"What is the justification for expanding the jail sentence from two months to two years? It is ordinary men in the streets who will pay for this law.

"No MPs took up the opportunity to debate this bill, and of course, no comments from the Bar Council, which is busy with the Pardons Board. Now, all we can hope for is the Senate to stop the bill from becoming law. The Senators now need to do the work, which the Dewan Rakyat was supposed to do."

He also questioned DAP which he claimed was mute despite having called for an oversight in police conduct in previous years.

"Already, the police will charge you for insulting them if you complain about their conduct! How many more powers do they need?

"There is no oversight of police conduct in the country, and DAP is now mute on this issue. Unlike in 2004 when they were clamouring non-stop for a Police Oversight Commission," said Zaid.

Last week, the Dewan Rakyat passed 10 amendments to the Police Act 1967, including a new clause that makes the Yang di-Pertuan Agong the honorary commissioner-in-chief of the police.

https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2024/03/1030583/zaid-ibrahim-amendments-police-act-should-not-have-been-passed