‘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.

Utusan changes tune about ISA after Najib suggests repeal

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced a slew of reforms to
press and security laws on Thursday.

KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 18 — Utusan Malaysia, one of the staunchest defenders of the Internal Security Act (ISA), is now changing its tune about the security law but without remorse for what had happened in the past when the Umno-owned daily had called for it to be put into use.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak announced a slew of reforms to press and security laws on Thursday and the lifting of three Emergency Declarations, saying that the move to increase civil liberties was “risky, but we are doing this for our survival.”

“It is true what Najib had announced is appropriate at this point in time. We should look forward to the new world reality of today. Change will happen sooner or later. The country cannot forever remain set in its ways.

Would the ISA be reborn under two new laws?

Opposition leaders feels that the the Internal Security Act's repeal would only result in two new laws with no change in sight.

PETALING JAYA: Pakatan Rakyat welcomed repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA), but  was  wary of the two new laws that will take the Act’s place.

Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim said he supported the repeal of the ISA, but wanted to know what the two new security laws would entail.

“We welcome whatever announcement that … (goes for) the repeal of the ISA. We welcome (Prime Minister) Najib Tun Razak’s step in doing so.”

Najib disappoints again: Glamour ISA announcements but little real change

Prime Minister Najib Razak's promise to repeal the Internal Security Act 1960 and several other oppressive laws were cautiously greeted by PKR leaders as a victory for the people, including the thousands of activists both local and foreign who fought through the decades for their removal.

However, they slammed Najib for trying to give a false impression to Malaysians that they could look forward to greater democracy and social justice, when effectively, there was little real change and a possibility that new laws made to replace the ISA could contain similarly oppressive clauses.

"Firstly, we don't know what new laws will be made to replace the ISA and Emergency Ordinance. They could be worse. Also, if Najib was really sincere, he would have lifted the Sedition Act and the Official Secrets Act, which they are already using to force the people into obedience. We have always said there was no need for the ISA. The Sedition Act and the OSA were bad enough," PKR strategies director Rafizi Ramli  told Malaysia Chronicle.