The proposed amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 and six other preventive laws have been approved by the Attorney-General's Chambers for tabling in the Cabinet soon.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the amendment bills were expected to be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat during the current session but they still need to be fine-tuned.

He said changes to the ISA would include the right to hold peaceful assemblies.

"If the situation is peaceful to assemble, there no reason why we should not allow it without too many restrictions. Treatment of detainees, detention period, powers of minister... will be suited to the occasion," he said.

He was speaking to reporters after attending a briefing on the proposed amendments which was attended by representatives from the ministry and the police, and Attorney-General's Chambers representative Idrus Harun at Parliament here today.

Besides the ISA, changes will be made to the Emergency Ordinance (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) 1969, Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985, Restricted Residence Act 1933, Banishment Act 1959, Crime Prevention Act 1959, and Section 27 of the Police Act 1967 relating to gathering.

Hishammuddin said the ministry would continue to reach out for interested groups including the opposition and the Bar Council to ensure that all parties understood the proposed amendments.

He said the proposed amendment to the Anti-Trafficking in Person 2007 would be tabled in Parliament next week.

- Bernama