This in one the events that takes place in 2009 about giving power to MACC (Malaysia Anti-Corruption Commission) to detain suspect after office hours. I at first, without reading more, believes that the agency should be given this power to detain after office hours…because crimes happen also after office hours.
Today, I realized, I’m too shallow in knowledge. Found this comment in chedet blog. I took this one from many others as it simply summarized all the points.
By S..Tan on December 28, 2009 11:22 PM
………………CONSTITUTIONAL FREEDOM
The constitution entrusts the police force with security, law enforcement, power of detention. MACC does not exist when constitution written and is not envisaged to hold such powers.
The High Court judge is right, the constitution should not allow too many bodies power over civil liberties. Similarly the constitution does not grant prosecution powers to other bodies except Attorney General.
The judge is looking at civil liberty and freedom. Detention without trial or charge (24hrs interrogation) is violation of basic freedoms and should not be granted freely.
……………..ROLE OF MACC
MACC is a post crime investigation agency, not pre crime prevention body. With investigative not security or preventive powers (from its actions so far) there is no need to give this agency 24hrs detention authority without charge or trial.
Power of detention should be given to only security and safety agencies, not agencies investigating political parties, councilors purchase of stationery etc.
…………….CIVIL RIGHTS ABUSE
It will lead to civil rights abuse which such powers over civil liberties is prone. Already the police (one agency granted such powers) sometimes act out of control.
Since the crime already committed and no security risk involved why need 24hr powers? Anyway if MACC require such power they can refer police.
……………..REDUCING CRIME
Giving MACC 24 hrs detention powers will not reduce crime, as it only acts after the crime has taken place. But dissolving Umno is guaranteed to reduce crime by 900 cases (Tun’s quote on Umno corruption reports)
I do not need to summarize again. The above quote says it all.
Investigation can be done outside working hours but detention of suspect is done during office hours. Call police if requires detention after office hours.
