BN component party Gerakan views with serious concern urgings made by pro-Umno red shirt protesters in their maiden rally in Kuala Lumpur on Malaysia Day to revive the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The party’s national legal and human rights bureau chief Baljit Singh ( photo ) said this does not bode well for a country which has declared itself the “best democracy” in the world.

He said the rally by the red shirts had eclipsed the Malaysia Day multiracial celebrations, but added that it was understandable if they had wanted to express themselves on issues they felt strongly about.

The red shirt protest was in retaliation to Bersih’s gathering on Aug 29 and 30, which among others, called for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's resignation over the alleged financial scandal of the 1MDB and the RM2.6 billion mysterious donation in his private bank accounts.

“Freedom of expression is theirs and everyone’s fundamental human rights.

“Do they realise how fortunate they were to have been allowed to exercise their rights, although their rally was racially motivated and ended with episodes of racial slurs against the non-Malay communities?

“Do they realise that reinstating the ISA would take away these rights?” Baljit asked.

Police already applying Sedition Act

Baljit said there were already many laws which can be applied to a whole range of cases to deal with those who violated the law.

He reminded the red shirts that the police was already applying the Sedition Act - which has been strengthened and fortified - on suspects deemed to have incited racial and religious tensions.

“Why is there a need for the ISA? The law is a British legacy and have outlived its purpose. After 58 years of Merdeka, it is time we release ourselves from the bondage of the British empire.

“Malaysians should be encouraged and allowed to voice their opinions on policies and laws through peaceful means. This is consistent with the spirit of democracy and inclusion of the people in the process of nation-building," he said.

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