Nadia Ahmad Samdin on Criminal Procedure (Miscellaneous Amendments) Bill

Empowering the police to conduct searches without a warrant is a substantial change and it is important to understand why this is considered necessary now, what cost-benefit analysis was done in view of the potential impact on trust between the public and police force, what protections will be afforded to those who feel they are being searched unfairly and what measures will be in place to prevent unfair accusations against police officers who are discharging their duties. MP Nadia Ahmad Samdin made these points in Parliament on Monday (Feb 5). She said searches without warrants have had unintended negative consequences in some other jurisdictions, with a significant impact on vulnerable and minority communities. Ms Nadia also spoke about enhancing powers to conduct Forensic Medical Examinations (FMEs), noting the critical role FMEs can play in obtaining evidence. However, she asked how the legislation can protect against possible unjust penalties for refusing an FME. She also pointed to potential issues with consent, such as where a minor who is a victim of a sexual crime has a different preference for the taking of samples and evidence compared to their parents.