Umno AGM: Security laws needed as there's plot to topple govt, says Shahrizat
THE STAR
KUALA LUMPUR: Wanita Umno praised Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi for putting security laws into place to fight terrorism and extremism.
This was despite criticisms from social activists and the legal fraternity who expressed concern over the implementation of laws such as the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota), Security Offences and Special Measures Act (Sosma) and the National Security Council bill.
Wanita Umno chief Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil (pic) said that terrorism was the result of championing personal interest under the guise of democracy, human rights and freedom.
"Wanita Umno realise that there is a movement, a plot and foreign interference out to bring down the government.
"Regardless of who they are, we need to strongly fight against them," Shahrizat said at the wing's annual general assembly on Wednesday.
She said the laws may not be a popular decision but a necessity to safeguard the country and the people.
Shahrizat also called for the setting up of the Syariah Bar Council, similar to the Bar Council that manages the civil lawyers.
"If civil lawyers are being managed by the Bar Council, syariah lawyers have different sets of methods and measures in each state.
"Many have called for the council to be set up immediately," she said.
She proposed that the Syariah Legal Profession Act be put in place to supervise the Syariah lawyers from all aspects.
"Not only the welfare and interest of Syariah lawyers could be protected, their position in the legal fraternity could also be at par with those in the civil court," she said.
