2007 08: Remand at welfare homes

The Star Online. News. Nation. Monday August 13, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General’s Chambers has proposed that minors involved in minor offences be remanded in welfare homes instead of prisons.

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail said he had discussed the matter with the police and Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Shahrizat Abdul Jalil.

“I am very reluctant to charge minors, especially those detained for identity card offences or other offences deemed petty.

“I believe they must be given a second chance. If they are put in prisons then there is a strong possibility that they may be bitter and become even worse upon release.

“It is better if they are remanded in welfare homes where they can be educated and rehabilitated,” he told The Star.

It was reported that there are about 400 young people being remanded in prisons awaiting trial.

Gani said he was sensitive to public reaction and appreciated the expressions of concern.

“To us such reactions are like information and we listen so that we can do justice to those concerned,” he added.

Gani said that in some cases he had no choice but to charge minors and bind them over.

“But if they are caught again they would be remanded in prisons,” he said.

He said details were being finalised on the type of remand centres needed and their locations and he had asked the Prisons Department to inform the Chambers of any minors being charged with petty offences.

He said before a person was sent to a welfare home, the necessary checks would be made to ascertain the type of offences and if it involved a first-time offender.

On another subject, Gani said he had also discussed with Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan on how best to handle witnesses.

He said there have been weaknesses in the handling of witnesses.

“I don’t want to point fingers at anyone.

“We follow strictly the three basic ideals and principals of prosecution that is to ensure a fair trial, protect the accused rights and finally to disclose evidence that is favourable to the accused,” he said.