KUALA LUMPUR, 12 Oct 2008: Gerakan wants the Internal Security Act (ISA) repealed and an anti-terrorism law introduced instead, in accordance with the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam)’s proposal.
This was one of five main resolutions approved by the party’s 37th national delegates conference which concluded here today.
Besides the resolution on human rights, the conference also approved resolutions on politics, the economy, party affairs and education.
The three-day conference called for a proposed Anti-Terrorism Act to be confined to preventive detention of those who commit acts of terrorism.
The Act must include safeguards such as the right to judicial review and the appointment of counsel for detainees, the resolution said.
National harmony
In promoting religious and ethnic harmony, Gerakan planned to set up a taskforce of experts to provide the party’s input for the formulation of the Barisan Nasional (BN) code of conduct.
The party also planned to hold regular dialogue with various religious bodies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) on issues of common concern.
It also aims to enact and enforce legislation against publications and politicians who jeopardise racial and religious harmony.
Gerakan plans to rebrand the party and forge smart partnerships with other political parties, NGOs and the media, and rejuvenate the party by identifying and nurturing new leaders.
Economic competitiveness
The party wants the government to prepare the nation to face global economic challenges by liberalising the New Economic Policy to improve the competitiveness of Bumiputeras, attract more foreign investors and prevent a brain drain.
Gerakan urged the government to immediately implement judicial reforms and set up the proposed Malaysian Commission for Anti-Corruption (MCAC) to increase investor confidence.
On the economic front, Gerakan will propose innovative initiatives and hold regular meetings with various chambers of commerce, trade associations and unions.
Education policy
On education, the party said the current model has many shortcomings due to the lack of human resources, leakages and discrimination.
The party called on the government to allow teachers to teach mathematics and science in the students’ mother tongue instead of insisting that the subjects be taught only in English.
The party also urged the government to give equal treatment to all government-funded primary and secondary schools without categorising them as fully-funded and partially-funded institutions.
Gerakan said it would devise a party position on the country’s education policy, and hold discussions with government departments, NGOs, educationists, student unions and stakeholders within the education sector. — Bernama
