SHAH ALAM – The proposal to reintroduce the Internal Security Act (ISA) could undermine justice and human rights in Malaysia, warns former Bersih Chairperson Maria Chin Abdullah.
In a statement released on Wednesday, Maria expressed concern that reviving the ISA, which allows for the detention of individuals without a fair trial, would only serve to suppress the people’s freedom to seek justice.
"Any law introduced must align with the goal of making the government more transparent and accountable to the people.
"How can we forget the many activists, journalists, Opposition politicians, and ordinary citizens who were imprisoned for years without trial?” she questioned.
The ISA, which was abolished in 2012, was replaced by the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), along with the Prevention of Crime Act (Poca) and the Prevention of Terrorism Act (Pota), all aimed at safeguarding national security.
To this, Maria pointed out that Malaysia already has sufficient legal frameworks in place to address actions driven by hate, such as laws for defamation, assault, and sexual harassment.
She also called for the abolition of laws such as the Sedition Act, Sosma, and Pota, suggesting that the country is equipped with the necessary legal tools to govern without resorting to authoritarian measures.
"Our country has the laws it needs to govern effectively without falling into the trap of authoritarianism.
"The government should focus on promoting messages of peace and harmony, rather than allowing toxic hatred to spread,” she said.
By doing so, Maria emphasised, the people would be able to challenge and dismantle extremist narratives without having their rights restricted or denied.