Many in Umno, including former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad, could not digest Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak’s decision to repeal the Internal Security Act.

 

And now Umno divisions in Johor are calling for the draconian law, which provides for detention without trial, to be resurrected.

State Umno liaison committee secretary Md Jais Sarday also revealed that were motions pertaining to the plan to repeal the Sedition Act as pledged by Najib ( left ).

According to Umno Online , he said both these motions received the main attention.

“Although we differ on party ideologies, this must not become a reason for the ruining of this nation’s prosperity.

“We strongly reject street protests and any form (of action) which can have an adverse impact in the country,” he added.

The ISA, initially drafted to deal with the Communist insurgency, earned notoriety when it was used against opposition leaders and political dissidents, especially during Mahathir’s era.

Since Mahathir ( left ), who is still influential in Umno, launched a scathing attack on Najib, calling him a weak leader, there has been a slew of sedition charges, with the dragnet encompassing politicians and activists.

The prime minister and Umno president himself appeared to be backpedaling, saying yesterday that feedback would be obtained on whether to repeal the Sedition Act.

Observers noted that Najib could be buckling under the pressure from the conservative forces in Umno and right-wing Malay groups which have been critical of his transformation agenda.

They have accused the prime minister of pandering to the whims of the opposition and non-Malays, but these moves have not yielded electoral results.

A Mahathir-strongman and former minister, Zainuddin Maidin, also cautioned Najib against disregarding the impact of Mahathir’s criticism and called on Umno divisions to push for the return of ISA.

Observers claimed that the ongoing crackdown could be an attempt by Najib to consolidate his position in Umno by sending out the message that he is a firm leader.

Tighten control of social media

Meanwhile, Md Jais said there were also motions to tighten the leash on the social media.

“There was no shortage of motions which wanted the government to tighten (control) on the social media,” he said.

The Kluang Umno chief explained that the motions stemmed from the frequency of seditious statements and criticisms found on the social media, that went overboard.

"So action must be taken to prevent these things from affecting the mindset of future generations,” he added.

Based on the motions, Md Jais said it was clear that Umno members placed party interests above personal interests.

He also said there were motions debated with regard to national unity, which proved that Umno wanted all Malaysians, irrespective of race, religion and political leanings, to ensure that peace and harmony are preserved.

“We are proud of the spirit of Johor Umno members. We have been slandered and labelled all sorts of things but it is clear that Umno is mature and does not follow the politics of hate.

“Umno is a party that practices moderate politics and gives priority to the bigger agenda, which is to serve the people, safeguard peace and develop the nation,” he added.

More than half of the 26 Umno divisions in the state have held their annual meetings.

Last week, Umno supreme council member Shahidan Kassim said almost all Umno division delegates nationwide have called for the revival of the ISA.

“I received a lot of feedback for the ISA’s revival and to tighten the Sedition Act,” he had added.

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