Opposition parties and human rights groups are furious over a government plan to amend the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 to block any attempt to disclose national security secrets in court.

The proposed amendment was revealed last Friday by de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim ( photo ) who told Malay daily Utusan Malaysia that the idea was to eliminate the risk of evidence being revealed in court that could compromise national security.

Rais said the proposed amendment of Section 73(1) which relates to police powers to make an arrest and impose 60 days of detention for interrogation was also to prevent disruption of investigations.

It would ensure that police are not compelled to reveal details of controversial arrests and detentions made in relation to safeguarding internal security, he said, indicating that the proposal would be tabled in the Dewan Rakyat soon.

Rais also reportedly said the court cannot interfere in internal security matters, which is within executive control.

The proposal arose after the Sept 6 Federal Court decision to allow an appeal by five reformasi leaders that their detention for the first 60 days under the ISA was unlawful.