Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi refused to reveal the names of individuals on the panel of the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) board, which is authorised to order detention without trial for up to two years.

 

In a written parliamentary reply to Ko Chung Sen (DAP-Kampar, right ), Zahid merely stated that the individuals were "of high integrity, have 27 years’ experience in the security industry and are accomplished law practitioners".

 

"Why is there such secrecy regarding the panel members for the PCA board?" Ko asked in a press conference at the Parliament lobby today.

The PCA was passed by Parliament under controversial circumstances last year, with many Opposition MPs seeing its provision allowing detention without trial as the return of the repealed Internal Security Act (ISA).

 

It came into effect on April 1 this year and 132 people have already been detained under this Act.

 

In his written answer as well, Zahid refused to reveal the status of investigations against the individuals detained under the PCA.

 

"Investigations are still ongoing," he said.