Nazri: New laws to curb terrorism, religious extremism

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KUALA LUMPUR: The two new laws to replace the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 will not be used to detain those with a different political ideology.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Aziz said the two new acts would only be used to curb terrorism and religious extremism.

Besides that, those found guilty of offences under the two new acts would only be detained after being sentenced by the court, said Nazri who holds the Law and Parliament portfolios, after a dialogue with the Federation of Chinese Associations Malaysia (Hua Zong), here, yesterday.

He was asked to comment on allegations by certain quarters that the two new laws to replace the ISA, would retain the ISA elements and used to oppress the detainees.

On the opposition’s demand for former ISA detainees be given compensation following the abolishment of the ISA, Nazri said it should not be made an issue as they were detained under a legitimate law at the time.

“It happened according to the law, (so there is) no need to apologise and  pay compensation. Why do they want to make this an issue?” he added. — Bernama

On Sept 15, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his special address in conjunction with Malaysia Day, announced that the ISA would be abolished and two suitable new laws introduced to replace it and aimed at preserving peace, prosperity, harmony and order in the country.

Najib said the two new laws would be formulated in the spirit and under the aegis of Article 149 of the Federal Constitution to prevent subversive activities, and organised and violent crimes. — Bernama