VIPs can't escape the law, says Zahid

KUALA LUMPUR: Influential people who are patrons of illegal organisations or groups that conduct illegal activities will not be spared the long arm of the law, said Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi (pix).

The Deputy Prime Minister said the Government, especially enforcement agencies, tidak pilih warna atau bulu (do not choose colour or feathers) when it came to cracking down on illegal societies and their activities even if they have VIP patrons.

“Even if there are people in the Dewan Rakyat now who are patrons of such societies, be prepared to face the consequences in line with the existing laws,” he said in reply to a question by Datuk Seri Hasan Malek (BN – Kuala Pilah) in Parliament here Tuesday.

Dr Ahmad Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said he was aware that there were some societies that were concealed beneath the mask of religious organisations.

“If they make statements that are beyond their interests or their limits, rest assured the Government will not compromise, action will be taken.

“I promise, for as long as I am Home Minister, I will do my best for the rakyat,” he said to applause from lawmakers in the Dewan.

Dr Ahmad Zahid also told the House that 49 groups were found to be illegal (kongsi gelap) and action had been taken against them.

In reply to a supplementary question by Idris Ahmad (PAS – Bukit Gantang), Dr Ahmad Zahid said the Ministry would continue to monitor all organisations, including non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“They are not only bound by the Societies Act, but by Malaysian law on the whole. If they conduct any activities that break the law, action will be taken accordingly.

“When we take action, don’t accuse the Government of being cruel. They (illegal groups) are cruel to their own people, so they should not accuse the Government of being cruel to them,” he said.