Deputy Internal Security Minister Noh Omar today warned that the government would invoke the Internal Security Act against those who incite religious or racial sentiments but brushed aside the incendiary remarks made by a top Umno leader at the party's recent general assembly.

When asked if the threat issued by Umno deputy permanent chairperson Badruddin Amiruldin questioning Malay special rights was akin to stirring the hornets' nest, the deputy minister, after a brief pause, described it as a 'history lesson'.

According to Noh, the newly elected Umno leader, who waved a book on the May 13, 1969 racial riots and told party delegates a week ago that non-Malays should not challenge Malay rights, was merely reminding the younger generation of the blotch in the nation's history.

Badruddin received a thunderous applause from the delegates after making his fiery speech.

"There will be no action against him. He was merely referring to history. Look at the archives. Why did May 13 occur? That is why we have to learn from history," he told reporters at the Parliament lobby.

"We have to know history so that this black episode does not repeat itself. If people forget their history, they will forget their roots and such events may repeat itself."

Noh also denied that the reaction would have been different if a non-Malay had made similar remarks in defending their rights.

"We are merely saying that one May 13 (incident) is enough. Don't repeat it - for when it happens, all races lose. Those who win become dust, those who lose become coal," said the deputy minister.

Online incitement

Earlier, Noh reiterated that those who incite religious and racial sentiments over the Internet would not be spared by the law.

Asked if he was referring to blogger Jeff Ooi, the minister said the warning was for anybody who published comments that could trigger a religious or racial backlash.

Ooi's weblog Screenshots - which has been dubbed Malaysia's most influential blog - had come under fire over a reader's posting said to be insulting to Islam.

"We're not referring to anybody in particular. Whoever is using the Internet - do not touch upon or question issues that are sensitive, especially when it has to do with other people's religion.

"I'm warning you: No further discussion on this matter," he added.

Noh stressed that those who touched upon sensitive issues pertaining to race or religion will come under the crosshairs of the authorities, regardless of their position in society.

"Whether it is a political leader or a religious leader, if he touches upon religious issues that triggers anger from people of another religion, we will arrest them," he said.

Noh said shortcomings in enforcing cyber laws meant that the authorities could use other laws such as the ISA - which provides for detention without trial - should there be fears that activities of certain individuals posed a threat to national security.

"In today's situation and with today's information technology, maybe our cyber laws are not that solid. Those who, through their IT activities threaten the national security, can be brought to trial - and if we can charge, we will charge in open court," he added.

The deputy minister also said that the ISA could be used against computer hackers, in particular, if there was insufficient evidence to try them in open court, and if they were suspected of illegally accessing classified government information.

"What with all these smart people who can hack into government secrets, it may be hard to bring them to court on account of insufficient evidence. These people can also be detained under the ISA," he warned.