An opposition MP has shot down Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's praise of China's crime-fighting methods, saying he should pick a more democratic role model.

"China is hardly a praise-worthy example for our country to admire or learn from.

"This is a country that does not uphold the rule of law and has one of the worst human rights records in the world," said Padang Serai MP N Surendran in a statement today.

"China's values and methods are diametrically opposed to any serious or self-respecting democracy.

"It is a one-party state that does not practice democracy or hold elections," said the prominent human rights lawyer.

Surendran pointed out just last year, the world witnessed a "flagrant example of China's policing" when over 280 human rights lawyers and activists were detained and interrogated throughout China.

"Many of them remain under detention," said the PKR lawmaker.

Yesterday, Bernama reported Zahid praising how China has been able to drastically reduce its crime rates over the last few decades, and said aspects of security and public order control could be emulated by Malaysia.

The deputy prime minister was on the last day of his working visit to Yunnan, China.

'Emulte democratic countries'

Surendran said, "Chinese policing methods, requirements and infrastructure will inevitably be tainted by their lack of respect for human rights or of due process.

"Malaysia cannot and must not emulate the policing example of such a country."

The MP said this is because Malaysia's federal constitution is democratic one and guarantees fundamental human rights such as freedom of expression, association, assembly and religion.

"Should the DPM and our government require examples to emulate, I would strongly urge them to look towards the free and democratic nations of the world, which respect and uphold their citizens' fundamental rights; and not in the direction of a country whose system is alien to our democratic polity."