Vital to distinguish between narcotic and criminal offences

THE Home Minister’s recent announcement on revising the Registration of Criminals and Undesirable Persons Act 1969 is not only timely but also reflects the ministry’s unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of social justice, “Home Ministry plans ‘second chance’ law to wipe minor criminal records” (The Star, Feb 10).

According to the Home Minister, the revised Act will accord former convicts, especially those who have committed non-serious offences, an opportunity to be delisted from the criminal registry or get their records treated as “spent convictions”.