STOP ABUSE OF POWER BY ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS
We are sickened by news
report that Simpang Rengam District Council enforcement officers entered a
private premise and brutally killed a dog, the family pet, in front of the
family. The helpless animal which was a beloved family pet of 6 children was
killed with shocking cruelty. Siau Mau, as it was lovingly called
by the children was shot and then bludgeoned to death.
We
view with grave concern the increasing instances of enforcement officials who
abuse their power and easily resort to the use of guns.
In
a notorious incident in Penang
in mid- January, Yeoh Yew Jin, a
19 year old alleged VCD
seller was shot in the chest by
enforcement personnel. The shot also injured a 52 year old innocent by-stander
having his dinner at a nearby coffee shop.
Despite
a public outcry following this incident, Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi
made a poorly reasoned decision to continue to allow enforcement officers
to bear firearms.
His
decision showed a disturbing lack of sensitivity to the interest and safety of
the general public and is inconsistent with his professed people friendly and
transparent administration.
We
are further shocked that the Simpang Rengam District Council enforcement
officers had abused their power by trespassing into a private citizens home and
destroying private property.
We
call upon the authorities to take swift and stern action against those involved
in this shameful incident. There must be no hesitation to charge in court
those guilty of wrongdoing for cruelty to an animal, criminal trespass
and destruction of private property.
We
also call upon the Prime Minister to re-consider his decision to allow
enforcement officers to carry arms as it is not certain that they are able to
bear this responsibility without endangering the Malaysian public.
N.
Surendran
Charles
Hector
for
Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (MADPET)
19th
February 2005
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