Malaysian PM announces major reforms, abolishment of ISA

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced on Thursday evening a series of major reforms in the country, including the abolishment of the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA) -- a harsh detention law originally enacted in 1960, revising a host of other laws and the press permit requirement.

His announcements came in his televised speech on the eve of an anniversary celebrating the formation of Malaysia, signaling a historical civil liberty reform that would likely strengthen support for his administration.

"I had pledged in my inaugural speech when I took office on April 3, 2009 that the Internal Security Act 1960, would be examined comprehensively," he said in a live broadcast speech to about 800 cabinet ministers and senior government and party officials at a state-owned television station.

"It is my pleasure to announce, at this historical night, that the ISA will be abolished," he added.

He said the act would be replaced by two new laws that take into consideration the human rights, within the terms of the constitution.

The new laws, he said, would bar police from arresting individuals solely for their political ideology, allow a substantially shorter detention period and that any extension of the detention can only be determined by a judge.

The Internal Security Act was initially introduced in the wake of an armed insurgency by the communist rebels in the country that allowed police officers, without a warrant, to arrest anyone that is deemed a threat to national security and hold them in custody indefinitely.

Najib said the government has also proposed to review a host of other laws deemed irrelevant, and repeal the Emergency Ordinance that was legislated during race riots in 1969 to allow suspects to be detained without charge for up to two years if permission is granted by a minister.

The proposals would be tabled for approval in the parliament.

Among the announcements is an amendment to the press permit requirements, allowing press and publication to operate without having their licenses renewed annually.

"The people's needs and will have changed overtime as their access to, and their education level grew on the back of a stable economy, the reduction of the poverty gap and an effective social welfare system," he said in his speech.

"We know it is a risk but we will do it for survival, five decades after Malaysia achieved its independence. We will move forward," he added.

Najib's announcement came amid mounting speculation that a snap poll would be called in the next few months.

The ruling coalition, National Front, under the leadership of former Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, performed poorly in the 2008 election, losing five states and a two-thirds parliamentary majority to the opposition.

Since assuming office in 2009, Najib has announced a list of programs aiming to revitalize the country's economy and policies benefiting the ethnic minorities to win the hearts of the citizens.

Copyright NNI (News Network International), 2011