Move To Abolish ISA Landmark Decision By Prime Minister - Muhyiddin

By Tengku Noor Shamsiah Tengku Abdullah

SINGAPORE, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- The move to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is a landmark decision as it takes wisdom and political courage to make it, says Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.

"It (the decision) is something that surprises Malaysia but it takes wisdom and political courage to make this move which is a landmark decision to achieve a certain level of maturity in the need for transparency of the ecosystem and freedom of speech where developed nations are looking forward," he said in his speech during with Malaysians living in Singapore here Monday night.

Muhyiddin said Najib's decision has great impact on the way forward as there were calls to liberalise the political system.

In his Malaysia Day message on Sept 16, Najib announced that the ISA would be abolished and replaced with two new laws to address terrorism and threats to national security.

The deputy prime minister is on a two-day official visit to the republic.

On the economy, he said Malaysia has to record growth of minimum six per cent per annum in the next 10 years before we can be a developed nation.

"It is a very big challenge and Singapore similarly face a big challenge due to what's happening in the euro zones, in other parts of Americas, and in this part of the region like Japan.

"Our major trading partners are facing problems and to achieve that figure is a big challenge but as predicted in the 2012 budget, insyallah we will be able to achieve it although some economists are saying that we are a bit ambitious but I think the way to achieve it is by hard work.

On another note, Muhyiddin called on professionals working in Singapore to return and serve the nation.

"You are here in Singapore, you serve the Singapore community. It is about time that Malaysians working in Singapore think about their own country," he added.

Muhyiddin, who is also Education Minister is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and his deputy Teo Chee Hean, and hold bilateral meeting with Singapore Education Minister Heng Swee Keat Tuesday.

He is scheduled to attend a briefing by Singapore Tourism Board on focused areas and long-term plans and strategies for development of tourism-related services sector.

Muhyiddin will also visit the incineration plant at Tuas and will be briefed by the Singapore National Environment Agency on solid waste management.

The deputy prime minister is accompanied by wife, Puan Sri Noorainee Abdul Rahman.