KUALA LUMPUR: Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye believes that the proposed new law to decriminalise minor drug offences is the right approach. He emphasizes that addicts should receive treatment in rehabilitation centres rather than being sent to jail, as this is a more practical and humane solution to deal with addiction. Lee, the chairman of the Alliance for a Safe Community, states that addiction should be viewed as a health issue rather than a criminal one, and ensuring treatment for addicts is the right move.
In the past, addicts were detained during enforcement operations and subjected to the full process of the law, resulting in their incarceration, according to Lee. The proposed new law would help reduce overcrowding in prisons, as he estimates that drug-related offenders account for over 60% of the prison population. Decriminalising minor drug offences will significantly decrease the number of people behind bars.
Lee also advocates for rehabilitating addicts by equipping them with practical skills. He suggests teaching them food handling, carpentry, and plumbing. By acquiring these technical skills, rehabilitated addicts would have better chances of securing employment after completing their treatment. Lee emphasizes the importance of providing jobs to prevent relapses and enable a fresh start for the rehabilitated individuals.
Stakeholders state that if the proposed law is enacted, convicted drug offenders would receive treatment rather than punishment once certified by medical officers. They would then be taken to rehabilitation centres. Currently, drug offenders face fines not exceeding RM5,000 or a maximum jail term of two years upon conviction under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Switching to another topic, Lee expresses support for the review of Palestine Solidarity Week in schools. He asserts that extremism and radicalism have no place within educational institutions, which should be focused on instilling good values. Lee emphasizes the importance of teaching students to reject violence and promoting compassion, humanitarian values, and love instead of hatred and violence.
Last Thursday, the Education Ministry announced that all educational institutions under its purview, including schools, vocational and matriculation colleges, and teacher training institutes, would be observing Palestine Solidarity Week until November 3. However, on Friday, the ministry clarified that it does not endorse any extreme displays of support for Palestine, such as the waving of replica firearms or hoisting banners inciting violence. This statement was made in response to a widely circulated video demonstrating radical elements in a school’s activities.
