Politicians in Penang, from BN and Pakatan Rakyat, are not amused with inspector-general of police Khalid Abu Bakar's wish to see the return of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Penang executive councillor Dr Afif Bahardin ( left ) said if Malaysia aspires to be a first world country, it does not need draconian laws.

He said first world countries have proven that freedom of speech can bring about change and improvement.

"As a developing country, it is time for us to look forward, to provide equal space for people to voice their opinion," said Afif, who is also state PKR Youth chief, in a statement.

"But what we see in this country is that we fear our own shadows and are too comfortable in this condition," he added.

Khalid made the remark when asked to comment about former premier Dr Mahathir Mohamad's suggestion to bring back the security law.

The police chief said the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) was enough for some circumstances and the ISA could be revived for others, for example, "to ensure the safety of the country".

Afif told Khalid to forget about the Act, which allows for detention without trial, as it is no longer relevant and should not be brought up again.

He said the people are more concerned about the police's ability to combat crime and keep the country safe, and they "long for a force that is efficient, trustworthy and clean".

ISA has been abused

Gerakan national legal and human rights bureau chief Baljit Singh ( right ) also echoed similar views, saying the people resented the law as it was abused by certain quarters.

He cited one example of the law being abused when a reporter with Sin Chew Daily , Tan Hoon Cheng, was arrested in Bukit Mertajam in 2008.

Police later said Tan was detained for her own protection after she reported former Penang Umno chief Ahmad Ismail as saying said that Chinese Malaysians were "squatters" in the country.

"This is what caused the people to resent the ISA. What the people want to see now is not  the return of ISA but they want to see a more effective police force," said Baljit.

"The police must improve its performance especially in the area of collecting evidence. They must also be more professional in carrying out their duties," he added.