Tough anti-organised crime laws to tackle Macau's powerful triad gangs cleared their first legislative hurdle yesterday.
But a democratic lawmaker immediately branded them toothless and cast doubt on their enforceability because of triad infiltration of the police.
Legislators voted unanimously to accept in principle the Lei da Criminalidade Organizada (Organised Crime Law) which targets triad societies and their members.
Legislative Assembly spokesman Manuel Pires said the first draft of the law, would be sent to the assembly's security panel after legislator Jorge Neto Valente proposed 18 'not substantial' amendments for discussion.
He added that it had been decided to extend the Legislative Assembly's term, which normally runs until June 15, to the end of July to help the passing of the law, describing the move as 'normal'.
But New Macau Association legislator Antonio Ng Kuok-cheong claimed triad penetration of the police could mean the new powers would not be enforced.