Govt to abolish, amend and reintroduce 117 laws

KUALA LUMPUR: The government is looking to abolish, amend and reintroduce a total of 117 laws, says Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Liew Vui Keong.
Further discussions with stakeholders and lawmakers on some of the changes are in the final stages.
Liew emphasised only laws that the government deemed oppressive would be repealed.
He did not provide further details.
He however said there will be new legislation to protect the position of the Malay rulers.
"We will table a bill to repeal the Sedition Act during the current parliament session or in March next year." he said in a press conference after launching the 73rd Anniversary of the United Nations here yesterday.
Meanwhile, commenting on the death penalty meted out to Muhammad Lukman Mohamad for possessing and distributing medical marijuana, Liew said it is his right to appeal.
"The judge gave him the death penalty. Why? The judge has no power because prosecutors did not issue the certificate to ask the judge to sentence him to life imprisonment," he said.
Liew said among conditions for the accused to be given a life sentence is he must have assisted police during the investigation.
"In this case, he has assisted the prosecution and police in the investigation and that is the condition for the prosecutor to issue an appeal certificate.
"I don't have the full report of what happened in the investigation because as of right now the court has not yet issued a written judgment for me to review." he added.
Adding to that matter, the government will be appealing to Singapore to halt the execution of Malaysian Prabu N. Pathmanathan who is expected to be hanged tomorrow.
Liew said he would send the letter immediately after discussing the matter with Wisma Putra.
Prabu, 31 was sentenced to death after he was found guilty of drug trafficking.
It was reported that his execution would be carried out at Changi Prison on Friday (Oct 26).
Meanwhile, at the event, the United Nations (UN) commended three Malaysians for contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) in conjunction with the UN's 73rd anniversary.
The UN award was received by former Bar Council chairman Datuk S. Ambiga Sreenevasan for her exemplary leadership in advocating for human rights and good governance.
The National Ozone Unit from the Department of Environment received the award for their unwavering commitment and continuous efforts in taking proactive measures for environmental sustainability in country.
MyKasih Foundation also was awarded for their exemplary leadership in reaching those furthest behind in B40 category and promoting their inclusion.