KUALA TERENGGANU, July 30 – The Home Ministry today warned of stern action to be taken against those who participate in rallies supporting or opposing the abolition of the Internal Security Act (ISA), on Saturday.
Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the move was in line with the ministry’s objective to prevent the issue from having a negative impact on the security and interest of the country.
“If they violate the law, stern action will be taken against them, no matter if they are pro-ISA or anti-ISA,” he told reporters after presenting special contributions to ex-policemen who had served during the E mergency (1948-1962) here today.
“I will not compromise on this until the security and interest of the country are assured.”
Hishammuddin was commenting on the Pembela Negara Federation of Non-Governmental Organisations Council’s (Magaran) ultimatum giving the Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) until 5pm to cancel a rally scheduled for Saturday.
Magaran, which comprises 56 non-governmental organisations with over 100,000 members, had said that if GMI persisted with its plan, it would not hesitate to hold another rally to send a memorandum supporting the ISA to the Yang di-Pertuan Agong on the same day.
Hishammuddin said he had informed Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan to take stern action against those participating in the rallies.
“In fact, I have also instructed the Kuala Lumpur police chief, Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman, to closely monitor the rallies,” he said.
The public was also advised not to take part in the rallies as the government had earlier agreed to review and scrutinise the ISA, he said. – Bernama
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