Of Immunity

Why do people want immunity from prosecution?

The Malaysian Sultans lost their immunity in 1993 when a series of abuses were done to the rakyat. The rulers have since adapted except for a fracas or two involving the younglings. As a result, people still retain their respect for this institution.

With the amendment, the Malay Rulers can be charged on any personal wrongdoing, outside of their role and duties as a Ruler. However, the charges cannot be carried out in a normal court of law, but in a Special Tribunal under the purview of the Council of Rulers.

Blackwater is a military contract provider to the US army in Iraq. After years of immunity and wanton killings, the Iraqi government finally managed to arm twist US into lifting of its immunity in exchange that Iraqi government does not ask US to leave. Natural juctice is the allowed to flow. Blackwater security guards charged with killing 14 Iraqis

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"In 2006 four people were killed and 43 homes destroyed in a nearby suburband in 1993 a 12-storey condominium tower collapsed, burying 48 people mainly maids
and children." (AFP)

Statutory immunity granted to local authorities under the Section 95 (2) of the Street, Drainage & Building Act 1974 (Act 133) has protected the government over many incidences of mismanagement and covers up the effects of corruption, incompetency and bad decision making. The Highland Towers incident in 1993 shows the unfairness of this clause when the local authority was deemed immune to any criminal charges. Subsequent civil suits by residences was also negated and their final loss was confirmed this year.

The majority decision delivered by Justice Abdul Hamid Mohamad said that if
the local councils were made liable, it would open the floodgates to further
claims for economic loss, and this would deplete the council's resources
meant for the provision of basic services and infrastructure. (MB)

And I thought that the council's resources comes from the rakyat who pay taxes and all the assestment rates. So, is it fair that the councils can wantonly decree and decide and even if their decision is damaging and causes people to die, they are free from prosecution? If Sultan and occupiers can be made liable for their mistakes, why is the local council special and beyond reproach?

My heart goes to all who have lost and are impacted by this event. I too live in a high rise condo beside a hill and that scares me.

Why do people want immunity from prosecution? Ask your local councils for the answer.