Proposed amendments to expunge minor offences from criminal records timely, says Lee Lam Thye
Alliance for a Safe Community chairman Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said the current approach of saddling individuals, particularly youths, with lifelong criminal records for minor and non-violent offences has long-term consequences that extend far beyond their initial sentence.
"For far too long, individuals, especially young people convicted of minor and non-violent offences, have been burdened with lifelong criminal records that severely restrict their ability to reintegrate into society,' he said when contacted on Wednesday (July 30).
The stigma, discrimination, and rejection that many former offenders face, especially when seeking employment, undermine both their rehabilitation and the country's efforts to reduce recidivism, Lee said.
"Rehabilitation must mean more than just serving time; it must include the opportunity to start anew,' he added.
He called on the government to include provisions for the expungement of criminal records for minor and non-violent offences in the proposed legislative amendments.
He recommended a system where such records could be expunged after a period of three to five years of good behaviour following release.
'Such a move would be fair, compassionate, and aligned with the values of restorative justice,' Lee said.
Beyond legislative reforms, Lee called on employers, particularly in the private sector, to play a more proactive role in reintegration efforts, stressing that employment is a critical factor in preventing repeat offences.
'If we truly believe in rehabilitation, we must remove the structural barriers that block it,' he said, while noting the importance of distinguishing between hardened criminals and those who simply made youthful or circumstantial mistakes.
He also proposed several key reforms to accompany the amendments, including the introduction of clear, transparent guidelines for expungement, support services such as job placement and counselling, awareness campaigns to combat stigma, and public-private partnerships to create workplace reintegration programmes.
'In building a safer, fairer society, we must be tough on crime, but also compassionate towards those who seek redemption.
'We must not allow the past to define a person's future forever, especially when that person has paid their dues and is willing to change," he said.
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