The Association for the Promotion of Human Rights (Proham) has called on the government to focus on raising police investigation standards instead of enacting new preventive detention laws as a solution to serious crime problems in Malaysia.

"Proham calls on the federal government to address serious crime through effective use of investigative policing and not resort to preventive detention," it said in a statement today.

Based on the 10 key findings from a roundtable discussion among lawyers and human rights activists recently, Proham surmised that the majority did not agree to any new law similar to the repealed Emergency Ordinance (EO).

NONE The forum held at Universiti Malaya last Friday was attended by 35 participants including former chief justice Zaki Azmi ( right ), former Court of Appeal judge KC Vohrah and former CID chief Zaman Khan.

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had on Friday given his assurance that the government would consider human rights in a new law mooted to address serious crimes.

Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail had has also voiced his opposition to any form of preventive detention in any new law to replace the EO.

Proham noted that it did not find any credible evidence in the public dominion on the rise in crime associated with the release of EO detainees.

It said current preventive laws, such as the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) 1959 (Revised 1983), would suffice to catch most criminals.

"This act is meant to provide for the more effectual prevention of crime in Peninsular Malaysia and provides for the control of criminals, members of secret societies and other undesirable persons," Proham said.

'Existing laws enough'

The PCA provides for 28 days of remand for investigations and inquiry, with an option of another 28 days extension.

Proham noted that the Penal Code was amended in 2012 with a new provision to address issues pertaining to ‘organised criminal groups'.

Furthermore, Proham pointed out that there was a need to re-look at the structure of the police force as less than 15 percent of police manpower is directed at crime-fighting.

"In this context both police and Home Ministry must review Chapter 8 of the Royal Police Commission report, which made 26 different recommendations to improve investigative policing.

"If effectively implemented, it will enhance the performance of the police in crime prevention," Proham pointed out.

Its other suggestions for fighting serious crime in Malaysia include addressing socio-economic issues and forming a closer partnership between the police, civil society, grassroots communities and the private sector.

Earlier this month, Bernama reported that there had been a 100 percent increase in violent crime in the first six months of the year, after some 2,500 detainees were released following the repeal of the EO last year.