Updated 6:50pm, 28 July 2009
PENANG, 28 July 2009: Two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in Penang want the government to maintain the Internal Security Act (ISA) as a mechanism to preserve peace in the country.
The Putra Association of Penang and Al-Ehsan Organisation of Malaysia, both formed about four years ago, opined that the Act did not pose any threat to those who did not go against the law.
“The ISA has proven to curb certain quarters from causing chaos in the country,” said the founder of the Putra Association of Penang, Wan Balkis Wan Abdullah, to reporters here today.
About 50 members from both organisations carried banners and gathered at the Komtar building today to protest against any move to abolish the ISA. However, police broke up the 30-minute illegal gathering.
Al Ehsan president Mohd Ridzwan Sulaiman, who was present at the gathering, said the organisation would send a memorandum soon to the relevant authorities to urge them not to abolish the ISA.
He said only those with a certain agenda or bad motive would want the ISA to be abolished.
In KUALA LUMPUR, the Badan Bertindak Perpaduan Melayu (BBPM) or Malay Unity Action Body also expressed support for the ISA to remain in order to preserve peace and stability.
“The ISA is still relevant in the long term. It only needs to be reviewed and amended to suit the current situation,” its president, Osman Abu Bakar, told a press conference today.
“The Act should be amended to facilitate investigation, which must be conducted immediately. No need to detain the alleged offender for a long time. If he’s wrong, bring him to court and let the court decide,” he said.
Osman said those against the ISA should not hold gatherings to press for its abolishment as it would only threaten public order and security.
He said BBPM also fully supported such measures as the Key Performance Index and six national Key Result Areas announced by the prime minister, as well as efforts to raise the quality of education and the people’s standard of living. — Bernama
siew eng says
What’s good for the goose is not good for the gander.
“Osman said those against the ISA should not hold gatherings to press for its abolishment as it would only threaten public order and security.”
“About 50 members from both organisations carried banners and gathered at the Komtar building today to protest against any move to abolish the ISA.”