The Bar Council today objected the government's proposal to invoke the Emergency Ordinance, which provides for detention without trial, against snatch thieves.

"As much as there is a serious problem with snatch thefts in the country, it must be tackled appropriately.

"It certainly is an inappropriate measure to detain a person based only on suspicion and without a trial," said the council's vice-chairperson Yeo Yang Poh when contacted.

He also cautioned the authorities against being overzealous and employing 'quick-fix measures' to a long standing problem.

"The principle of presumed innocent before being found guilty and the rights of suspected offenders to a fair trial must be upheld," he said.

Draconian law

Echoing similar concerns was the National Human Rights Society (Hakam).

Its spokesperson K Shan said there are laws in the country like the Penal Code which cater for such offences and there is due process available in courts for offenders.

"There is no need to invoke a draconian law used to fight communism a long time ago while the country was in a state of emergency. Are we still in a state of emergency? Appropriate measures should be resorted to instead," he said when contacted.

According to Shan, the government should carry out public education drives on protection methods and beef up police presence on the streets.

"It's very harsh to detain a suspect for two years without a trial. The government should not play the role of the judiciary in such instances." he noted.

The activist also called on residents associations and non-governmental organisations to play a role in curbing the menace.

Shan urged the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to look into the government's proposal.

"The government should engage in dialogue with human rights groups before implementing such measures," he said.

Apart from unveiling the government's proposal yesterday, Internal Security Deputy Minister Noh Omar said snatch thieves would also be charged with robbery under Section 392 of the Penal Code and if found guilty can face up to 14 years' jail and whipping if convicted.

If they cause injuries to the victim, the suspects could be charged under Section 394, which carries a maximum jail sentence of 20 years and whipping.

The spotlight fell on snatch thieves following the death of two women in recent weeks.