NEW LAWS WON'T BE USED TO ARREST THOSE WITH DIFFERENT POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 21 (Bernama) -- The two new laws to replace the Internal
Security Act (ISA) 1960 will not be used to detain those with a different
political ideology.

Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Mohamed Nazri Aziz said the two
new acts would only be used to curb terrorism and religious
extremism.

Besides that, those found guilty of offences under the two new acts would
only be detained after being sentenced by the court, said Nazri who holds the
Law and Parliament portfolios, after a dialogue with the Federation of Chinese
Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong), here, Tuesday.

He was asked to comment on allegations by certain quarters that the two new
laws to replace the ISA, would retain the ISA elements and used to oppress the
detainees.

On the opposition's demand for former ISA detainees be given compensation
following the abolishment of the ISA, Nazri said it should not be made an issue
as they were detained under a legitimate law at the time.

"It happened according to the law, (so there is) no need to apologise and
pay compensation. Why do they want to make this an issue?" he added.

On Sept 15, Prime Minister Najib Razak in his special address in conjunction
with Malaysia Day, announced that the ISA would be abolished and two suitable
new laws introduced to replace it and aimed at preserving peace, prosperity,
harmony and order in the country.

Najib said the two new laws would be formulated in the spirit and under the
aegis of Article 149 of the Federal Constitution to prevent subversive
activities, and organised and violent crimes.
-- BERNAMA