PETALING JAYA: The move to review the registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 (Act 7), which could see individuals who previously had a brush with the law removed from the register, could be a ray of hope for the deserving ones who received a clean slate, said National Association of Skilled Workers (PKPB) secretary-general Mohammad Rizan Hassan.

The legal amendments that are focused on reviewing past records are moving us towards a more fair legal system, he said.

This route could also signify society’s changing attitude towards prioritising empathy, understanding and believing in the potential for growth and change, he said.

“This way, we can create a more compassionate society where affected individuals are allowed to rewrite their narratives and contribute positively to the community,” Mohammad Rizan said.

He also said a mindset shift was needed to break the stigma against former inmates, adding that society needs to give them the chance to integrate back be it through work opportunities or more.

This comes after Home Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Nasution Ismail’s announcement last month that the ministry was reviewing the law that oversees the registration of criminal records.

He said there were various crimes listed under Act 7, including individuals who were merely investigated by the police but were not subsequently charged.

Some were given a discharge not amounting to an acquittal, but their names remained in the criminal record system, which led to circumstances where the individuals found it hard to seek employment or obtain business licences, he said, adding that the number runs into the millions.

Saifuddin Nasution, however, stressed that there was no compromise on issues concerning safety, and the proposed review is not for hardened criminals.

Commenting on the move, social activist Dr James Nayagam urged for vast engagement with learned quarters to ensure that the review and subsequent implementation are done properly.

He also stressed that there must be no compromise on public safety.

“Any eventual decisions on whether a person can be removed from the criminal registration or not should also be made by a panel,” he said.

Nayagam, who is Suriana Welfare Society consultant, suggested that the panel comprise the police, Legal Affairs Division, and other learned parties to fully deliberate the decision.

“The vetting process must be extremely thorough. We need to look at how severe the crime is and all on a case-by-case basis,” Nayagam said.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/09/22/act-review-could-aid-inmates-reintegration