Govt unlikely to bring back ISA, says Ahmad Zahid
(The Star) – The Government is unlikely to revive the Internal Security Act (ISA) but will amend the existing Acts or create a new Act to address action by extremists, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said.
The Home Minister said the abolished ISA was not meant to detain those with differing political views but to maintain national security.
However, the Government would take into account and study the views of some people who want to see the return of the ISA.
“What were said by several leaders including the Inspector-General of Police can be considered but it’s not easy to revive the ISA,” he said after opening the 42nd National Rela Day celebration here yesterday.
Dr Ahmad Zahid said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had considered all views, including by former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad on the matter.
Dr Mahathir had proposed the return of the ISA to address action by minority extremists out to destabilise the country.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar yesterday fully supported Dr Mahathir’s suggestion that the Government bring back the ISA to maintain security and public order.
Meanwhile, Deputy Home Minister Datuk Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar said the ISA would not be brought back although many felt that the law is better at maintaining Malaysian security, reports ZORA CHAN.
He said the police would have to take action based on existing laws and work harder in maintaining internal security and public order,
“We already have the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 and the Prevention of Crime Act to be enforced soon. We have to move forward.
“As far as the Government is concerned, under Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak’s administration, we’ll not reinstate the ISA,” he told The Star when contacted yesterday.
Dr Wan Junaidi said the ISA was a draconian and suppressive law as it was made without following the rule of law.
He said that while Malaysians were allowed to exercise their rights, they must not infringe on others’ rights.
“Yes, you have the right to shout and play loud music in your house but if it is causing your neighbours sleepless nights and unhappiness, then you’re infringing others’ rights while exercising yours,” he said.
The same concept applied to street demonstrations as such events would cause disruptions to road users and affect legitimate businesses, he said.
