DPM proposes standard system for Asean

ROME: Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi has proposed that Asean countries provide a uniform screening system at all entry points as exercised by European Union countries to curb infiltration of transnational criminals, terrorists and illegal immigrants.

He said every Asean member should have an advanced passenger screening system, biometric identification system and facial recognition scanner in line with the formation of the Asean Community this month.

“Asean member states should have border security screening with synchronised documentation and use a uniform system,” he told reporters at the end of his three-day visit to Italy on Wednesday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said he had observed that with the uniform system, Italy, an EU member, managed to overcome the problem of an influx of refugees from northern Africa and eastern Europe, some of whom posed the threat of transnational crime and terrorism.

He said he had a fruitful meeting with his Italian counterpart Angelino Alfano, Italian police chief Alessandro Pansa and chief of the Department of Civil Liberties and Immigration Mario Morcone.

He said the Italian border security system could possibly be adopted in Asean and that at present only Malaysia and Singapore had such an advanced screening system.

“The implementation of the system may take some time to be realised after the Asean Community is formed,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the Malaysian Cabinet had requested him to provide a green lane for Asean citizens at entry points to facilitate their entry into the country. He also said that Malaysia would amend several laws to enable the authorities to combat organised crime more effectively in the country.

He said the amendments would involve clauses in the Prevention of Crime Act 2013, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Penal Code, so that the prosecution of those involved in organised crime would be more effective.

“The existing laws are already sufficient but we have to amend them by adding several procedures as well as some clauses to the laws.

“The Royal Malaysian Police, the Home Ministry’s legal advisers and the Attorney-General’s Chambers will look into the amendments,” he said.

Dr Ahmad Zahid said the ministry would organise a session with non-governmental organisations to get their views on the proposed amendments.

He said in his meeting with officials of the Italian government that he was inspired by Italy’s success in tackling organised crime.

“Italy has a law that enables the authorities to confiscate the assets of Mafia members and their families’ assets, shares and bank accounts,” he added. — Bernama