Agong urged not to give assent to PCA Bill

DAP chairperson Karpal Singh has urged the Agong not to give his assent to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (PCA) Amendments Bill.

"The time has come for the Yang di-Pertuan Agong to show his displeasure by refusing to assent to the amendments as they are draconian in that they bring about the resurrection of detention without trial, a concept unknown to the rule of law.

"It would be in the public interest for the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, under the circumstances to refuse to assent to the amendments," he said in a press statement yesterday.

While acknowledging that the Bill would still automatically pass into law within 30 days even though the Agong refuses to give his assent, Karpal said the move is necessary.

He said this is to send a message to the government on bills that go against the rule of law.

"The Yang di-Pertuan Agong is the apex of Parliament and therefore a significant constituent of Parliament.

"Any displeasure emanating from the Yang di-Pertuan Agong will not reflect positively on the government of the day," he said.

Karpal reiterated that the PCA lacked checks and balances and is a return to draconian laws.

The Bill was passed by the Dewan Rakyat on Oct 2 and later approved by the Dewan Negara on Oct 11.

It is now awaiting the Agong's assent before it will be gazetted to become law.