STRIKE BALANCE BETWEEN INDIVIDUAL AND MAJORITY RIGHTS

PUTRAJAYA, April 15 (Bernama) -- The Home Ministry will ensure that a
balance is struck between the individual right and the right of the majority in
any changes to laws under it, including the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said both these factors should be given due
consideration.

"People always talk about the right of the individual only but in any
change, the right of the majority is just as important. It's a principle that I
will uphold without fear or favour," he told reporters after attending a
briefing on the ministry here.

Hishammuddin, who switched from the Education to the Home ministry in the
new cabinet line-up, said he would study not only the ISA but also the other 40
laws under the ministry.

On another development, he urged the leaders of Islamist Parti Islam
SeMalaysia (PAS) and other political parties not to make seditious and
provocative statments which could undermine the country's economic development
and peace and tarnish its image.

"It's a mistake to suggest that there will be riots and demonstrations
similar to what is happening in Thailand because the people will reject such
culture," he said.

Hishammuddin was asked to comment on a local Harakah Daily report on Sunday
which said that it was not impossible that the people of northern state of Perak
would resort to protests and demonstrations like what was happening in Thailand
if the Perak state assembly was not dissolved to pave the way for fresh
elections.
-- BERNAMA