ISA unacceptable - Zaid Ibrahim

Sun2usrf - Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Datuk Zaid Ibrahim says he finds the Internal Security Act (ISA), which has been regarded as draconian by the Opposition and the legal fraternity, unacceptable.

"I am against any unjust and harsh law, and ISA and OSA (Official Secrets Act) are unacceptable to me," the de facto law minister said of his stand on the two Acts during an interview with Nanyang Siang Pau.

"In fact, I have stated my stand (on these laws) in my books," he said.

ISA, a preventive detention law, was enacted on Aug 1, 1960, to replace the Emergency Regulations Ordinance 1948 that was meant to curb communist activities. It was amended in 1972.

Any person may be detained by the police under ISA for up to 60 days without trial for an act which allegedly prejudices the security of the country or any part thereof.

After 60 days, one may be further detained for a period of two years each, to be approved by the Home Minister, thus providing indefinite detention without trial.

Last Saturday (April 26), Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar said preventive laws, such as the ISA, will not be abolished as they were needed for the purpose of maintaining public order more...