SIBU: The observation of laws is not solely from enforcement but the feeling of being observed and out of respect for the law, said Deputy Home Minister Datuk Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar.
He was reacting to MCPF vice-chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye’s call for the government to go all out to enforce laws in the interest of law and order as well as crime prevention.
Lee had reportedly said laws must be enforced without fear or favour.
“Tan Sri Lee is saying the obvious. Of course, the law must be enforced without fear or favour. It is blind to race, religion and politics of any shade and colour. It must be continuous and constant.
“The problem with us is everything is being politicised. When law is introduced and passed by Parliament, those who disagree would continue to disregard and disrespect the law,” Wan Junaidi told The Borneo Post yesterday.
He noted that some political leaders of this country seem to think the law was made for them and at their convenience.
“They could breach the law while demanding others observe it absolutely. In Singapore law is enforced without fear and favour and, above all, no one politicises the enforcement. Then it becomes a norm and public habit to observe out of fear and respect for the law,” said Wan Junaidi who is Santubong MP.
He observed that here when an agency enforced the law, there were always public champions to defend the law breakers.
“Hence those who have the propensity to break the law become bold and break the law as and when it suits them because they know there are champions outside there to fight their cause.
“Sometimes in the name of human rights and other rights, criminals have more rights than their victims and the nation itself,” he said.
He hoped Lee could help campaign for the public and politicians to respect and observe the law.
All other rights ought to be subservient to the nation’s right to enforce the law, and maintain law and order for the good of most people, not at the whim and fancy of some people