Hisham: ISA's replacement won't limit police

The new bill to replace the Internal Security Act (ISA) will not limit the power of police to ensure security and public order, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said.

He said police were satisfied with the new law and confident they would be able to discharge their duties well.

"The new bill would not have been tabled if police as the 'end users', who ensure the security of the country, are not comfortable with it.

"So I'm giving an assurance today that the police are satisfied with the bill which will be tabled (for a second reading) by Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak tomorrow," he told reporters after addressing the Sembrong Umno in conjunction with the division's meeting at Felda Ulu Penggeli, in Kluang today.

The Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill 2012, was tabled for the first reading at the Dewan Rakyat earlier this week.

Hishammuddin ( left ) said the cabinet agreed to strengthen the police to bolster the force's capability in investigation, legal matters, intelligence, monitoring and bilateral ties with neighbouring countries.

"This is our way forward. We do this based on the realisation that there should be a continuous improvement.

"The new bill had been negotiated with stakeholders such as Suhakam, Bar Council and non-governmental organisations since 2009, taking into consideration aspects such as the detention period," he said.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin who is Umno vice-president, expressed support for the setting up of a Royal Commission of Inquiry to investigate the claim that several opposition leaders had shown lack of respect towards the Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah during the installation ceremony at Istana Negara on Wednesday.

"I support the view of Umno vice-president Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who has called for the commission to be set up, as those concerned have denied the claim.

If we investigate it on our own, they will say we are being unfair," he said.

Hishammuddin, who is Sembrong member of Parliament, also refuted rumours of him contesting in Kota Tinggi in the coming general election.

He said that he had been with the Sembrong constituents for a long time and that he would not disappoint them in the coming election.

"I won't be going anywhere; however, the question of candidacy is up to the prime minister to decide," he said.

- Bernama