Tabling of amendments to two Bills deferred
(Asia One) – Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abd Samad told The Star that there is “unhappiness” among the backbenchers on certain amendments to the CPC, especially on matters related to judiciary discretion.
The tabling of the amendments to the Criminal Procedure Code (Amendment) Bill 2015 (CPC) and the Evidence (Amendment) Bill 2015 have been deferred for its second and third reading to the next Parliament meeting following disagreement by MPs from the both Barisan and Opposition benches on the new provisions.
Deputy Home Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar, who tabled the CPC Bill for the first reading on Monday, tabled another motion to defer the Bill yesterday after it came under heavy criticism from both Government and Opposition MPs.
They requested that the Bill be scrutinised and refined.
The amendments to the Evidence Bill was also deferred in a motion tabled by Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Nancy Shukri. The Bill has yet to be debated.
Barisan Nasional Backbenchers Club (BNBBC) chairman Tan Sri Shahrir Abd Samad told The Star that there is “unhappiness” among the backbenchers on certain amendments to the CPC, especially on matters related to judiciary discretion.
Datuk Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan) said he could not accept the CPC Bill which could give rise to “elements of abuse”.
“This Bill, in my opinion, seems to be a violation of the rights of the people.
“On the amendment to replace the words ‘any court’ with the ‘minister’, I don’t think the minister even wants to have such powers which lies with the court,” he said.
During the debate, Bung Mokhtar said the police cannot assume the role of a judge or the Attorney-General.
He also called for a meeting between Government backbenchers and the Opposition MPs to discuss ways to improve the amendments.
Datuk Shamsul Anuar Nasarah (BN-Lenggong) said the Government should review the CPC in the interests of the public and to maintain the roles of the police and the judiciary.
M. Kulasegaran (DAP-Ipoh Barat) said the amendment to Section 282, which requires the court to impose a consecutive sentence if a person is convicted at one trial for any two or more offences, was against the rules of natural justice.
