KUCHING: The announcement on the abolition of the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last night received mixed reactions from local law makers from both sides of the political divide and a human rights activist.
Chairman of the state BN Backbenchers’ Club and the chief political secretary to the chief minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was unsure whether the abolishment of the restrictive law was a right move or not.
“For a multi-ethnic and multi religious country like Malaysia, we surely need restrictive laws like the ISA but what is important is that the usage of these laws must be purely against those who pose security threat to the nation and not against political opponents,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post here last night.
PKR Sarawak chief Baru Bian said the prime minister was taking a big gamble by abolishing the restrictive laws.
“We welcomed the announcement as it was really high time, such draconian laws should have been abolished long time ago as our country has achieved its independence for almost 50 years,” he said.
Baru who is also the Ba Kelalan assemblyman also stressed that there were still laws such as those under police custody where abuse could still take place.
“So we have to wait and see the outcome of the announcement,” he said.
He said the announcement by Najib was vital for his political survival as his public rating has declined recently.
“The announcement was made for the impending election,” he said.
Also supporting the move was Senator Datuk Idris Buang who said that the prime minister’s speech was profoundly esemplastic for his 1Malaysia dream.
“It also augurs well for a mature democracy,” he stressed.
Idris said the prime minister had also described the country’s quest for independence and the formation of Malaysia in the right perspective.
“We must thank our forefathers for their sacrifices and the struggle. The abolishment of the ISA will stop the opposition from criticising the government for using the law for political purpose.
“The ending of these laws saliently proved the sincerity of the BN government.”
Idris also hoped that everyone should now be more responsible in harping on sensitive issues.
“The new laws said to be passed by parliament will have the input of all quarters and will surely serve the country better,” he said.
State Legal Advisor Datuk JC Fong said the repeal of the ISA and other similar types of legislation and to replace them with legislations that enable the courts to determine if detention should continue was a manifestation of the government’s commitment both to upholding human rights and fundamental freedom, and to safeguard national security.
“The measures announced by the prime minister are positive steps towards reform of our laws on preventive detention to protect our national security and I do hope these measures can be implemented and become effective as soon as possible,” said Fong.
State Suhakam Commissioner Detta Samen said that the ISA when applied by the executive on any citizen, the person would be denied legal process and his or her liberty especially if the laws were applied ‘mala fide’ or in bad faith.
“Suhakam has been consistent that freedom of assembly should be allowed but monitored and that the liberty of man should not be taken away arbitrarily. The executive cannot be the prosecutor and the judge at the same time,” he said.
Chairman of the state BN Backbenchers’ Club and the chief political secretary to the chief minister Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said he was unsure whether the abolishment of the restrictive law was a right move or not.
“For a multi-ethnic and multi religious country like Malaysia, we surely need restrictive laws like the ISA but what is important is that the usage of these laws must be purely against those who pose security threat to the nation and not against political opponents,” Abdul Karim told The Borneo Post here last night.
PKR Sarawak chief Baru Bian said the prime minister was taking a big gamble by abolishing the restrictive laws.
“We welcomed the announcement as it was really high time, such draconian laws should have been abolished long time ago as our country has achieved its independence for almost 50 years,” he said.
Baru who is also the Ba Kelalan assemblyman also stressed that there were still laws such as those under police custody where abuse could still take place.
“So we have to wait and see the outcome of the announcement,” he said.
He said the announcement by Najib was vital for his political survival as his public rating has declined recently.
Also supporting the move was Senator Datuk Idris Buang who said that the prime minister’s speech was profoundly esemplastic for his 1Malaysia dream.
“It also augurs well for a mature democracy,” he stressed.
Idris said the prime minister had also described the country’s quest for independence and the formation of Malaysia in the right perspective.
“We must thank our forefathers for their sacrifices and the struggle. The abolishment of the ISA will stop the opposition from criticising the government for using the law for political purpose.
Idris also hoped that everyone should now be more responsible in harping on sensitive issues.
“The new laws said to be passed by parliament will have the input of all quarters and will surely serve the country better,” he said.
State Legal Advisor Datuk JC Fong said the repeal of the ISA and other similar types of legislation and to replace them with legislations that enable the courts to determine if detention should continue was a manifestation of the government’s commitment both to upholding human rights and fundamental freedom, and to safeguard national security.
State Suhakam Commissioner Detta Samen said that the ISA when applied by the executive on any citizen, the person would be denied legal process and his or her liberty especially if the laws were applied ‘mala fide’ or in bad faith.
“Suhakam has been consistent that freedom of assembly should be allowed but monitored and that the liberty of man should not be taken away arbitrarily. The executive cannot be the prosecutor and the judge at the same time,” he said.
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