‘New laws could be worse than ISA’

Is the repeal of the ISA 'window-dressing' for an embattled BN ahead of the general election?

KOTA KINABALU: Scepticisms abound in Sabah over the repeal of the much-condemned Internal Security Act (ISA).

Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak had announced on Sept 16 that the government would abolish the draconian law.

While the announcement came as a shock, as many had expected some good news related to consumer goodies in view of the general election, it was nevertheless much welcomed.

However, criticisms have since arisen after the govenment came back with a statement that two new enactments would be tabled in Parliament to replace the controversial ISA.

Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) has joined the long list of sceptics.

Anwar drops bombshell: Najib assured hardliners new laws to be just as tough

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim has dropped a bombshell, accusing Priime Minister Najib Razak of two-timing the people with a false promise to repeal the draconian Internal Security Act, while at the same time he was also assuring his Umno colleagues that new replacement laws due to be enacted would be just as oppressive.

Last week, Najib had proposed to repeal the ISA and several other emergency laws that have long helped the Umno ruling elite to persecute political rivals and maintain their hold on power. Najib saw the move as a means to shore up his flagging popularity and also build a legacy for himself amid rising calls by Umno warlords to step down.

At a press conference on Monday, Anwar minced no words, warning the public to be wary of the latest announcements. He also demanded that Najib makes public the parameters for the two new laws, saying that the people had the right to know.