Govt not getting soft, says Johari
The decision to drop the attempted murder charge against 31 people arrested at an illegal assembly in Batu Caves does not mean the authorities will go soft on rule violators, and neither does it reflect any future decision made against the group.
Deputy Internal Security Minister Datuk Johari Baharom said as far as the Government was concerned, it would not tolerate any group that threatened the country’s peace and security.
“Whatever decision made (on the 31 people) does not mean that we will go soft. Stern action will be taken against those who are a threat to the country’s security.
“We will continue to be strict on this matter. We will not compromise anything that involves national security,” he said to reporters Tuesday, at the ministry’s quality and integrity day.
On Monday, Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail applied to the Sessions Court to withdraw the attempted murder charge on the 31 people who were earlier accused of trying to kill a police officer during the unlawful gathering organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) on Nov 25.
Following the application, judge Nursinah Adzmi acquitted and discharged the group. The prosecution also withdrew charges of involvement in the illegal rally and causing mischief against five college students who were among the 31.
Commenting on the decision, Johari stressed while it would not affect any future decisions or action taken against law violators, this was certainly a lesson to the public to “think, think and think again” before engaging in such activities.
“They must think carefully and rationally on the implications of their actions, on themselves, their family, the society and the country. The implication if they get arrested is great. It will affect the family and this is an important element to consider,” he said.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan declined to comment on the decision, saying it was the Attorney-General’s prerogative to withdraw the charges and not the police’s.
