The anti-ISA movement warns that if the security law is not abolished when Parliament resumes next week, it will galvanise a rally.
Speaking at a press conference here today, Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) secretary E Nalini said the government should place the abolishment of the draconinan law as its top of agenda when Parliament resumes next week.
On the details of the protest, Nalini said GMI will only announce it depending on whether the government fulfilled its pledge or otherwise.
In September last year, Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak announced that the government will abolish the ISA during his Malaysia Day celebration speech.
He also said the government will moot two new security laws under Article 149 of the Federal Constitution to replace ISA but assured that it will place emphasis on the burden of proof.
GMI chairman Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said whatever laws the government is enacting should abolish elements of detention without trial and limit the powers accorded to the police and the home minister.
“However, Hishamuddin Hussein (Home Minister) told Bernama in November that the two new laws will allow detention without trial. Najib’s own staff are underminining his pledge,” he said.
In the report, Hishammuddin also said that even countries such as United Kingdom and the United States have such provisions in their legislation.
While understanding the need for tough security laws to maintain public order, Ibrahim said the Malaysian Penal Code has accorded enough powers to the police to deal with terrorism.
“The government fails to understand that detention without judicial review is against the principles of justice, freedom and democracy,” he said.
On the two new laws, Ibrahim criticised the government for not holding a public consultation before tabling it at the August house.
“As far as I know, none of the stakeholders such as Bar Council or Suhakam were consulted,” he said.
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