13 ISA freed, ban lifted on party organs - Malaysiakin

Apr 3, 09 8:26pm

In his first address to the nation as prime minister, Najib Abdul Razak said 13 Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees will be released and the suspension on two opposition publications will be lifted with immediate effect.
MCPX

"I would like to use this opprtunity to announce that the government will revoke the suspension on two opposition party organs while 13 ISA detainees will be released with immediate effect," he said.

In his 8-minute speech which was telecast live by RTM 1, the new premier also pledged to undertake a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act which allows for detention without trial.

Najib said the Home Ministry would be releasing details on the 13 ISA detainees who have gained their freedom.

He did not say if they included the five leaders of the banned Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf).

The Home Ministry, as of December last year, said it was holding 46 people under the ISA, the majority of whom belong to militant groups like the Jemaah Islamiah and Darul Islam movement.

Though Najib did not mention the names of the two publications which have been unbanned, it was clear he was referring to PKR's Suara Keadilan and PAS' Harakah.

The two publications were slapped with a three-month suspension by the Home Ministry last week for breaching their permit regulations.

Najib was sworn in as the country's sixth prime minister this morning and has vowed to initiate reforms.