Malaysia - M'sia govt to propose new security laws next week

SINGAPORE: The Malaysian government is expected to table legislation on security reforms as early as next week, when parliament resumes its sitting.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the government is serious about implementing the promised reforms, which are part of the political transformation to allow greater civil liberties in the country.

Speaking after meeting Malay rights group Perkasa to address its concerns over the government's recent decision to scrap the controversial Internal Security Act that allows detention without trial, Hishammuddin reiterated Prime Minister Najib's commitment to allow greater freedom of expression and civil liberties in the country.

He said the Attorney General is currently in the final stages of drafting the acts on public order and counter terrorism. References, he said, are made to at least seven statutes, including the Patriot Act in the US and the anti terrorism laws in the UK and Australia.

Hishammuddin said: "I look at it as something very exciting. I feel that it's very relevant. It's something that Datuk Najib's leadership has promised and it is something we will do without fear or favour. But we need to balance it up with bigger national interest."

Mr Najib's push for reform sees resistance from hardliners within his own party, UMNO, and Malay ultras like Perkasa that even proposed its own preventive laws to replace the ISA.

Ibrahim Ali, President of Perkasa, said: "Today, security is the most important agenda of the country, so nothing should compromise security matters."

The new act will have a shorter detention period by the police and allow greater judicial discretion. Prime Minister Najib also promised no one will be arrested for their political or ideological beliefs.

Some of the new legislations are expected to be ready when parliament sits next month.

This, as Prime Minister Najib seeks to demonstrate its sincerity to follow through with the reforms as he prepares to seek his own mandate from the people in the coming general election that is widely expected within months.

-CNA/ac


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