Abolish ISA

16.9.2008, Malaysia Day.

DAP National Deputy Chairman and MP for Kepong Dr Tan Seng Giaw reiterates the need to repeal the Internal Security Act (ISA (1960) which has been misused to detain people.

Yesterday, the de facto Law Minister Senator Datuk Zaid Ibrahim tendered his resignation. But, he has been told by the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to take two weeks' leave. Zaid has had frustrations including the procrastination on his proposals for law reform and his objection to using ISA against civilians.

I have asked Zaid about law reform in Parliament. He talks about his recommendations to instil integrity in the judiciary. Hitherto, there has been little concrete action.

The recent detention of Teresa Kok, Raja Petra Kamaruddin and Tan Hoon Cheng under ISA shows the irrationality of the Barisan Nasional Government. If the Government has evidence against them, charge them in court. Otherwise release them immediately. Tan has been set free after 18 hours' arrest.

Bapa Malaysia Tunku Abdul Rahman said:"My Cabinet colleagues and I gave a solemn promise to Parliament and the nation that the immense powers given to the Government under the ISA, 1960, would never be used to stifle legitimate opposition and silence lawful dissent."

On this Malaysia Day, let the Government release Teresa, Raja Petra and others detained under ISA which was formulated against Communists. When we were detained in the Operation Lalang 1987-1988, we repeated the call to rescind ISA. Today, we insist that ISA be revoked.

As extremists and terrorists emerge in the modern world, we require modern legislation to deal with these people.

Dr Tan Seng Giaw