VIDEO | 3.17 mins

Amendments to the Prevention of Crime Act 1959 (PCA) do not represent a return to the Internal Security Act (ISA), Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi insisted today, although he refused to elaborate on the proposal to revive detention without trial.

NONE"No, this is not a return to the ISA. This is not a draconian law," Zahid (right) told reporters in the Parliament lobby today.

He also told reporters "to wait until Sept 30" when he would wind up the debate on the Bill and 10 other concurrent amendment Bills before the House.

"Wait until then. I will explain. (The opposition) should debate with me in the House. I keep an open mind and I will take opinions from both sides," he said.

Zahid also described the amendments as "transformational" and not "draconian".

"But it's up to you to decide (how to perceive the law). I do not want to pre-empt my speech in the House on (Sept 30)," he said.

He further said the Bar Council will be invited to Putrajaya on Sept 28 for a discussion of the proposed amendments.

“They can voice their opinions about the law then," he added.

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