A-G called to seek views on new laws replacing ISA

The New Straits Times

KUALA LUMPUR: The Home Ministry has urged the Attorney-General to engage more with stakeholders regarding the two new laws to replace the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA).

Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said yesterday engaging with stakeholders, including the Malaysian Bar Council, human rights groups and Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), was vital in obtaining views on what the new laws should entail.

He said although it had not been determined who would be engaging with the stakeholders, he felt it would be best for the A-G to organise such sessions.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak had announced that the ISA would be abolished and replaced with two new laws on the eve of Malaysia Day last year.

The new laws will deal with anti-terrorism measures and maintaining public order.

On another matter, Hishammuddin said his ministry was looking into ways to improve the living standards of enforcement officials in the country.

"We want to improve the conditions of police stations, barracks for Immigration officers, mobile police stations and living quarters.

"I will be visiting the Immigration officers in Johor to seek their views on the changes that we can make."

He said the ministry was drawing up the list of police stations around the country that urgently needed to be upgraded.