Tuesday August 19, 2008 MYT 6:25:55 PM

Don't politicise DNA Bill: PM

By MARTIN CARVALHO

MALACCA: The tabling of the proposed law, which paves the way for authorities to collect DNA samples and compile a DNA databank, should not be politicised by any quarters.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the Government had previously mooted the tabling of the DNA Bill and defended the timing of its tabling as mere coincidence.

“We have long wanted to bring it into Parliament.

"If at this present moment it coincides with the problems related to talk about the case, it is just a coincidence and should not be politicised,” he told reporters Tuesday after attending the launch of the Bumi Hijau state level programme at Taman Merdeka by his wife Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah.

He added the proposed law would be beneficial for the country and its future, in particular with regards to crime fighting and prevention.

“It is good for us and for the future. It is not exclusively for the case of Datuk Seri Anwar,” he said.

He said that such laws are needed as they would provide for an important and comprehensive approach towards increasing crime fighting effectiveness and crime prevention while assisting research for evidence that may be required as proof.

He was asked to comment on reports that there were certain quarters who had politicised the proposed Bill recently in relation to the investigations on Anwar.

Meanwhile, on the issue of whether DNA samples would be taken from newborn babies, Abdullah said such questions would be debated in Parliament with the necessary amendments and additions made to the Bill before it is passed.