KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 19 — The Najib administration must furnish details as to how soon the Internal Security Act (ISA) can be repealed as well as the two laws that will replace it, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said today.
The opposition leader urged Malaysians to be wary of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s announcement, saying he expects the new laws to be “just as restrictive” as the current ISA.
“Two questions come to mind — when will the ISA be repealed? And what are the two laws which, according to inside Umno information, will be just as strict and restrictive in replacing the ISA?
Najib had announced last Thursday he would repeal the ISA and revise other outdated security laws when both the Dewan Negara and Dewan Rakyat have their next sittings.
He also announced that the government will do away with annual printing and publishing permits with permits that can be cancelled if regulations are flouted.
The opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) has claimed that BN had lifted the idea from its Buku Jingga manifesto.
Najib however said the decision to scrap the ISA was part of his promise to amend the controversial law when he took office in 2009 and the need for a stable government to ensure the country’s future prosperity.
“Do you sense any change? In private sessions Najib has given Umno hardliners assurance that the replacement laws will still be tough.
“I am (also) certain they are not too naïve to consider this as sweeping reforms. I believe the rakyat will not be easily duped (into looking) at Najib’s APCO-drafted statement and feel good,” Anwar added.
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