HONOURED: Abdullah (left) receiving Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s honorary doctorate of Entrepreneurship in Human Capital Development from Pro Counsellor Dr Tengku Muhammad Faiz Petra Ibni Sultan Ismail Petra at the university’s first convocation. — Bernama photo
KOTA BAHARU: The repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 will bring freedom to the community to develop the intellectual mindset without restrictions or fear that the law would be used against them, said former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.
He said efforts to abolish the ISA was also made when he led the country, between 2003 and 2008, which was extended by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak to uphold human rights.
Abdullah said despite opposition from within and outside the government at that time, he managed to achieve three legislative changes to laws relating to the prevention of corruption, appointment of judges and integrity of the law enforcement agencies.
“I am very proud of Datuk Seri Najib Razak’s action to repeal the ISA.
“He may also face challenges like I did before. The job of a reformist is not easy,” he said in his speech after receiving Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s honorary doctorate of Entrepreneurship in Human Capital Development, at the university’s first convocation here yesterday.
Abdullah also hoped that the Barisan Nasional leadership would give full support to Najib.
“I hope there will not be those who oppose silently, as the policy that (Najib) wants to create with the repeal of the ISA will benefit the public and the nation in the long term,” he said.
In his Malaysia Day message on Thursday, Najib had announced that the ISA would be repealed and two new laws would be enacted to protect the peace, harmony and security of the country. — Bernama