The assertion by de facto law minister Dr Rais Yatim that the United States endorsed the Internal Security Act is "one-sided" since no public statement has been made by US officials, said an opposition leader today.

"We don't know what actually transpired at the meeting between Rais and [US Attorney-General] John Ashcroft. We are afraid that Rais had not reflected the truth. At any rate, it is one-sided. We would like to hear what Ashcroft has to say," said DAP vice-chairperson Dr Tan Seng Giaw in a press statement.

Last Sunday, The Sunday Star reported Rais as saying that Ashcroft "positively endorsed" the significance of the ISA as a preventive law.

Rais reportedly said that there will be no more basis for the US to criticise Malaysia's use of the ISA since such action could jeopardise the position of the Patriot Act.

However, Tan expressed doubts over remarks by Rais which were attributed to Ashcroft.

"Since Sept 11, the US has promulgated the Patriot Act to deal with terrorism but it has not agreed publicly with the ISA. On the other hand, it has criticised and questioned the need for the draconian act," Tan added.

Alleged abuse

The DAP leader stressed that the issue is over alleged abuse of the ISA by the Malaysian government.

"We oppose extremism including terrorism. We require adequate laws to handle extremists and terrorists but we don't agree with excessively draconian laws to constrain the people.

"In fact, this country has enough laws to overcome terrorists. Nevertheless, the government finds it convenient to use the ISA. It can do what it likes with it (the law) without bothering to explore other avenues," said Tan.

Meanwhile, when contacted today, Parti Rakyat Malaysia president Dr Syed Husin Ali said he will not comment on the matter unless the US makes an "official endorsement" of the ISA.

Other party leaders from Gerakan, Keadilan and PAS were, however, unavailable for comment.

The US Embassy is expected to come up with an official response to this matter by the end of this week.