KUANTAN, Aug 2 (Bernama) -- Any review of the Internal Security Act (ISA) must take into account the prevailing situation, said former prime minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He said all laws should be reviewed from time to time to ensure they were suited to the times.
"It is not a question of whether I agree or not...what I am saying is that not all laws can become obsolete. If obsolete, then we should review," he told reporters after attending the "A Moment With Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad" programme organised by Mubarak, the association for former elected representatives, here Sunday.
He said this when asked to comment on the statement by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak yesterday that the government was gathering feedback on the ISA and was prepared undertake a review of the Act.
On yesterday's streets demonstration held to protest against the ISA in Kuala Lumpur, Dr Mahathir said the people should note that it was not the best way to pressure the government to review the Act.
"We (the government before )had undertaken reviews (of the ISA) a long time ago but because the situation did not permit, we did not amend it. Any amendments must take into acount the prevailing situation.
"But to pressure the government by holding street demonstrations, that is not our culture. That is a culture introduced by Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim (Parti Keadilan Rakyat advisor), which I don't agree with as there are other ways to champion a cause," he said.
On the Barisan Nasional's (BN) chances in the upcoming Permatang Pasir by-election, Dr Mahathir said Umno and BN could win if they succeeded in regaining the people's support.
"The BN's performance in the Manik Urai by-election held earlier this month was good. If there are certain changes made, might be the people will return to support the BN," he said.
Mahathir was accompanied by his wife Tun Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali at the function. Also present was Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob.
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