The two new laws formulated to replace the Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960 need to take into consideration ways to deal with sensitive issues, Ibrahim Ali (Independent-Pasir Mas) said.

He said these included matters pertaining to religion, race and the position of the Malay rulers as well as the safeguards provided for under Article 153 of the federal constitution.

“Security does not have not a price... the government must be firm in its stand that what was being done was for the good of the people,” he said when debating on the Restricted Residence (Repeal) Bill 2011 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

The bill was tabled for the second reading by the Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak this morning and was later approved without amendments.

Ibrahim said the world today was no longer safe in view of the various issues being played up especially through the new media.

“It is difficult to take action against the perpetrators because it happens in the realm of the new media. In the past, the ISA is our weapon, now it cannot be used any more,” he said.

He also proposed the setting up of what he described as a high-profile committee with the home minister, attorney-general, inspector-general of police and the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) as members.

He said the committee would determine whether a person who had infringed the law governing sensitive issues need to be detain without trial.

“The committee would also determine whether further detention is necessary,” he said.

- Bernama

Related stories :

Malaysia was colonised, admits DPM Muhyiddin

Polls Budget: Pakatan, BN compete to show they care

Panel: Shadow budget direct aid is safe from abuse

Najib: Freedom for 125 'restricted residents'

Gov't foots RM1.2bil bill for Indah Water's losses

Pakatan's Budget sounds good, but is it realistic?