In a statement today, the DAP secretary-general urged the coalition to state clearly its stand on the proposed amendments to the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act 1988 (Act 342) before Johor voters go to the polls on March 12.

Under the proposed amendments, the maximum compound will be raised from RM1 million to RM2 million for companies and from RM10,000 to RM100,000 for individuals.

The amended law would also provide for imprisonment for up to seven years for offenders.

Lim also said the amendments would confer the health director-general with “unfettered and unlimited powers” that cannot be questioned or challenged.

Such “draconian powers” granted to enforcement officers would be a stumbling block to the full recovery of the economy, he added.

“Pakatan Harapan and DAP have adopted a firm position in opposing and voting against the proposed amendments in Parliament due to the draconian powers granted to enforcement (officers) and the harsh penalties and compound imposed,” he said.

Lim, who is Bagan MP, said there were two fundamental reasons why the amendments should not get “the rubber stamp” approval by lawmakers.

“First, this is a dishonest attempt by the government to pin blame on the rakyat to avoid responsibility for its failure to manage the Covid-19 pandemic that has caused the loss of nearly 33,000 lives and almost 3.5 million infections.”

“Second, the harsh penalties can have a devastating effect on the livelihoods of ordinary people and the survival of small businesses who are unable to afford such heavy and burdensome penalties and compound.”

Lim said the proposed amendments were intended to be debated and voted on after the March 12 Johor elections to avoid making them an issue in the polls.

“For this reason, BN must come clean on its support for the proposed amendments that are inimical to the interests of the people.”

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