Friday, October 17, 2008

malaysiakini on the PURSUIT of JUSTICE

malaysiakini reports on the ongoing debate in Parliament where the veteran Opposition MP Lim Kit Siang claims that the Attorney-General has been found to have abused his powers about 10 years ago Kit Siang stands by 'meddling AG' claim.
So far the AG has been keeping quiet and so perhaps he has taken the view that LKS is speaking in Parliament and no action is required.
That is the advantage of holding a high position - just ignore or deny and hope the problems will go away or pray the newspapers will not highlight the problem. That used to work well when the MSM is controlled but nowadays with the Internet, it is not possible for such a story to fade away.
I remember the prominent lawyer the late Christopher Fernando who was recorded on ChannelNewsAsia some years back making the same charges of "tampering with evidence".
LKS even criticises the IGP for the RM20bil contract to rent helicopters for 30 years - you can read more and hear LKS speak at his blog.
There is another story that should create some concern about how justice is administered in Malaysia.
Cop arrested for drug trafficking indicates that the police have a "preferred treatment scheme" for their own who break the law. According to the article, "after several months of investigations" the suspect was picked up but instead of charging him for drug trafficking that carries the mandatory death sentence, they have given him the soft option by arresting him under the Special Preventive Laws and sent him to the Simpang Renggam rehabilitation centre in Johor.
I just wonder how the State police chief can claim that all policemen were subjected to the same laws as everyone - if they commit a crime, they would have to pay for it.
By using such a soft option, the Home Minister has sent a strong message to all cops. "Don't worry, be corrupt. If you do get caught you will be sent for rehab."

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