DNA Identification Act to be amended to compel suspects to give DNA samples

KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney General's Chambers plans to amend the Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) Identification Act 2009 to compel suspects to submit DNA samples to authorities for case investigation.
Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Nancy Shukri said under the amendments, the courts will be authorised to order that DNA samples be taken from unwilling suspects.
"The proposed amendments will be submitted to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the party responsible for Act 699," she said when winding up debate on the motion of thanks to Yang di-Pertuan Agong when opening the parliament session.
Nancy said the DNA Identification Act, enforced since September 2012, did not allow the taking of DNA samples from suspects by force or by written permission.
Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department, Datuk Razali Ibrahim said the appointment of Datuk Hishammuddin Hashim as Sabah Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) director was based on vacancy, his work and good disciplinary record.
"For example, until March 24, Sabah MACC made 50 arrests compared to 28 arrests during 2014," he said when winding up debate on the motion.
He said that Hishammuddin's promotion to Sabah MACC director was done according to procedures as he was never accused of any offence.
"Hishamuddin Hashim was not the accused in the case of the late Teo Beng Hock, the special assistant to a Selangor State Executive Councillor in July 2009." – Bernama