The DAP legislator said Zahid’s remark may be seen to influence judges who might one day have to decide on the constitutionality of those amendments in the event they are challenged.
“What if those amendments are successfully challenged in court or if Poca detainees are set free by the courts vide habeas corpus applications in the future?” he said.
“Would the judges who presided over those cases be seen as ‘protecting criminals’ as well?
“Zahid’s position on the matter is most regrettable and certainly does not inspire confidence and ought to be condemned outright,” he said in a statement today.
He said Zahid should display political maturity by thanking all parties who participated in the Poca debate in Parliament, both for and against, as it was part and parcel of democracy.
Ramkarpal said those critical of the amendments, including himself, had every right to raise their concerns.
At the launch of the book titled “Poca: Nafas Baharu Banteras Jenayah”, Zahid defended the amendments made to the act, stating those who were against it were practising double standards.
“We know that the amendments will be manipulated by so-called people who are defenders of human rights.
“But they are actually wolves in sheep’s clothing who are protecting criminals,” Zahid added.
He also claimed that Poca had successfully reduced 47% of crime in the country.
The passing of the amendment after midnight on August 10 effectively removed a Poca detainee’s right to appear and make his case against his detention without trial before an inquiry officer appointed by the home ministry.
Instead, the police would now conduct the investigation and present their report to both the inquiry officer and the Prevention of Crime Board.
On Aug 12, the Malaysian Bar criticised the amendment, saying it deprived detainees of the basic right to be heard at the earliest possible instance, to know the allegations made against him, and to respond to them.