REVIEW SHOULD MAKE ISA COMPLY WITH HUMAN RIGHTS PRINCIPLES
Press Release by Acting President of Parti Gerakan Rakyat Malaysia,
YBhg Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon
Friday, 23 May 2008
The proposed review of the Internal Security Act (ISA) should make it in compliance with basic principles of human rights.
There should be enough safeguard against various possible and actual infringements on basic human rights. The review should also provide more specific definitions and listing of offences which relate to genuine threat to national security, including terrorism.
With clear criteria and enough safeguards, the ISA will less likely be subject to abuse and the perception that it has been used for political purposes to silence dissenters.
In welcoming the readiness of the government to review and amend the ISA as announced by Datuk Mohd Zaid Ibrahim, the minister in charge of law, Gerakan Acting President Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon suggested to the government to set up a Parliamentary Select Committee on the review of the ISA.
As the review will hopefully lead to some significant amendments, this Select Committee consisting of Members of Parliament from both the government and opposition benches can examine in depth various aspects of the Act and achieve some common ground before tabling for open debate in Parliament.
Dr Koh mentioned his experience as a Member of Parliament in the 80s in the then Parliamentary Select Committee on the Dangerous Drugs Act which also provides for preventive detention without trial, somewhat similar to the ISA.
“That Committee which comprised opposition members such as Lee Lam Thye was given a very good insight into the various aspects relating to drug trafficking and preventive detention, including difficulties with respect to evidences and witnesses.”
That Commtitee which was headed by the then Deputy Home Minister, Dato’ Seri Radzi Sheikh Ahmad, was able to come up with some specific provisions to provide for safeguard and the bill was passed in Parliament.
Gerakan is one of several parties which have been calling for review or even repeal of the ISA since the 80s. Dr Koh revealed that he has since April pursued again the need for ISA review with the Prime Minister. “The Prime Minister was quite receptive,” said Dr Koh.
Dr Koh also revealed that in January and February, and again in early April and May this year, he had appealed to the Prime Minister for the review and release of existing ISA detainees on health, humanitarian and other valid grounds, including the HINDRAF-5.
(Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon)
Acting President of PGRM
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