Key Issues KEY ISSUES Basically we could not have peace, or an atmosphere in which peace could grow, unless we recognised the rights of individual human beings... their importance, their dignity... and agreed that was the basic thing that had to be accepted throughout the world. Eleanor Roosevelt 1. REVIEW OF LAWS The Government carried out a review of several laws including the Prevention of Crime Act 1959, Penal Code, Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, Criminal Procedure Code and Evidence Act. However, the Commission was not consulted in the review process. (a) Prevention of Crime (Amendment and Extension) Act 2013 The Commission appreciates the Government’s efforts to combat serious crime, but remains concerned with the Prevention of Crime (Amendment and Extension) Act 2013, passed by Parliament in September. The Commission observes that some provisions are inconsistent with fundamental human rights principles enshrined in the Federal Constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights: 8 • Sections 9(5) and 9A(2) deprive the right of a person to legal representation; • Section 7C violates a person’s right to a fair trial and protection against repeated trials, as well as the rights to equality before the law and to be considered innocent until proven guilty; and • Section 15A denies the right of an aggrieved individual to access a court of law with all the guarantees necessary for his/her defence.