In a live interview with Astro Awani, today, he added that the amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act (PCA) criticised by rights groups, was done because he is "answerable to Allah".
"Shootings every day, murders almost every week. This needs to be dealt with. If I don't do something, not only will the public question my credibility, but on Judgement Day, Allah will question me," he said.
By "humanitarian", Ahmad Zahid (left) said he is thinking of the rights of victims of crime and police who are victims of criminal violence."My biggest responsibility is to care for the majority of the rakyat. I appreciate differing views from the Opposition, bloggers and news portals.
"In this emancipation and transformation process, all opinions are celebrated, but why must we only focus on the legal aspects? What about humanitarian aspects?" he asked.
Chiding disregard for police welfare, he pointed out that not a single human right defender or opposition MP visited the family members of a police officer who died in the line of duty recently.
"They (the critics) feel the PCA is replacing the Internal Security Act, Emergency Ordinance and Restriction Residence Act. This is for criminals, who should be the enemy of all, opposition or not, NGO or not," he said.
He also insisted that the PCA will not be used against political opponents and there should be "no fear over differing opinions".
The 20-minute interview on Analisis Awani, however, did not touch on the minister's endorsement for police to shoot down suspected criminals, even before they are charged in court.
Ahmad Zahid made international news, and has been slammed by rights groups, after a recording of him saying that at a government event, was made available to Malaysiakini.
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