The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) is agreeable to the Prevention of Terrorism Bill (Pota) on condition the government respects and maintains human rights, asserted Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi today.

 

This was his response when asked on Suhakam’s claim that it was worse than a toothless tiger , with one of the reasons being the government didn't consult the commission on Pota as well as on other issues.

 

"Acting chairman (Dr Khaw Lake Tee) of Suhakam wrote to me that they were for Pota, provided that human rights are retained," he said at a press conference after attending the ministry's excellent service award function.

 

While appreciating Suhakam's concerns, he also defended the controversial bill asking; "what about the human rights of the victims of the (terrorist) fighters?"

 

He added if the human rights body wanted to consider itself "worse than a toothless tiger", it was up to them.

Suhakam not consulted

Suhakam chief Hasmy Agam yesterday said the body is a watchdog that is tied to the post where the government chose not to consult but merely brief.

Ahmad Zahid said the government is waiting for Pota to be passed in the Dewan Negara and given the royal consent so that it can be used to curb terrorism with the 'suspect list' that they have.

"I am not reporting to you," the Bagan Datoh MP quipped, when asked about the number of potential Pota suspects on the list for investigation.

The government cannot simply detain the suspects without investigation, he said.

Pota was bulldozed in the Dewan Rakyat in the wee hours last week and the bill has now been tabled to Dewan Negara.

The bill has been seen as a revival of the draconian Internal Security Act, where the government will be allowed to detain those allegedly involved in terrorism for two years.

The detainees will not be able to challenge the government in court over the detention order.

The former Bar Council chairman Ambiga Sreenevasan warned that the government is declaring war against rakyat with Pota and amendments to the Sedition bill.

Permatang Pauh lagging

Meanwhile, Zahid - who has been appointed BN election machinery director for the coming Permatang Pauh by-election - promised that BN will bring infrastructure development to the district if the ruling coalition won.

"In my opinion, the place has been lagging for a long time despite it being a parliament seat in an opposition-ruled state.

"So, if the BN and Umno candidate is elected, there will be a channel for us to develop Permatang Pauh," he said.

Zahid said he believed the opposition's strength had dropped followed their many incidents of changing candidates and voters were now more open with an increased awareness.

The Permatang Pauh by-election is being held following PKR de facto leader Anwar Ibrahim's conviction for sodomy in February.

Nomination date has been fixed for April 25 with polling on May 7.