Ibrahim Ali (IND-Pasir Mas) today challenged the DAP to propose to the Singapore government to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) in the republic.

He also called on Lim Guan Eng (DAP-Bagan) who is DAP secretary-general to make an open statement to call on Singapore to repeal the ISA similar to what has been done in Malaysia.

"Everybody knows, Bagan MP (Lim) also knows that until today Singapore has not repealed the ISA. So I challenge the DAP to call on Singapore to repeal the law similar to what has been done by Malaysia," he said when debating the Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill 2012 in the Dewan Rakyat today.

He said the fact remained that the ISA had been successful in maintaining peace in the republic.

Ibrahim also said that Barisan Nasional (BN) need not apologise to ex-ISA detainees as demanded by Lim.

    

Bung Mokhtar Radin (BN-Kinabatangan), meanwhile, called on Dr Tan Seng Giaw (DAP-Kepong) to state his stance on the ISA issue.

He said the country needed a law to safeguard the country's security and public order because an unsafe country would not be able to achieve progress.

"If this country is not safe, investors will not be coming in. That is why I'm thankful to the government for providing safety assurance to all, including to the opposition," he said.

Bung Mokhtar also expressed regret that there were opposition leaders who showed little respect for the Malay Rulers and called for investigation on any attempt to ridicule the institution.

- Bernama