NO COMPROMISE ON NATIONAL SECURITY, SAYS MALAYSIA HOME MINISTER

PUTRAJAYA (Bernama) - The government will not compromiseon security, public order and the country's position in drafting new laws to replace the Internal Security Act (ISA) although some of its provisions such as rehabiltation for detainees would be retained, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said.

"We are strong in rehabilitation and have the expertise. I believe that it will not be touched (amended). The detention period may not be too long and is being considered by the Attorney-General," he told reporters after meeting 25 members of Malay-rights group Perkasa led by its president Ibrahim Ali here on Thursday.

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said in his Malaysia Day message on Sept 15 that the ISA is to be repealed and replaced with two new laws to maintain peace, wellbeing and harmony of the people and country.

The two new laws will be enacted within the spirit of Article 149 of the Federal Constitution to prevent subversion, terrorism and criminal acts.

Hishammuddin said the meeting with Perksa, which was also attended by Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar, was to explain to relevant parties on the repeal of the ISA.

"Our discussion with Perksa was rational and not emotional at all. The central issue is how to balance human rights and issues on national security," he said, adding the drafting of two new laws is part of the government transformation programme to ensure that laws remain relevant and in line with the global landscape.

Ibrahim submitted a memorandum to Hishammuddin which included the views of non-governmental organisations on the government's decision to repeal the ISA.

In the memorandum, Ibrahim said security issues should not be compromised as they override human rights or freedom of speech in this country.

He said the government should be in no hurry to draft the new laws but at the same time the people need to be patient and not become emotional.