In a special televised address on eve of Malaysia Day on 15 September 2011, PM Najib Razak announced will abolish the Internal Security Act and amend a number of laws which have long been criticised as overt attempts to stifle democracy:
* Abolishment of Internal Security Act (ISA) 1960, which allows detention without trial.
* Three Emergency declarations to be lifted.
* Amendments to freedom of assembly laws, which will recognise Article 10 of the Federal Constitution but will be “strongly” against street demonstration.
* Annual renewal of publishing permits for newspapers will be replaced with a one-off licence, which can be withdrawn.
* Repeal of Banishment Act 1959 and revision of Restricted Residence Act 1933.
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Fine. Me have no problems with anybody making political promises in public. Freedom of expression, yes?
Now we await for the promise to be carried, to be made into law. Until then, no popping of the champagne bottles yet.
Me not being a grumpy sceptical, just being a citizen well aware of my constitutional rights.
Hope you be too.
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