The ISA and the common Malaysian

Source : Malaysiakini.com, Wikipedia

The Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) (Malay: Akta Keselamatan Dalam Negeri) is a preventive detention law in force in Malaysia. The legislation was inherited by Malaysia after it gained independence from Britain in 1957. In essence, it allows for the arrest of any person without the need for trial in certain defined circumstances. Malaysia is one of the few countries in the world whose Constitution allows for preventive detention during peacetime without safeguards that elsewhere are understood to be basic requirements for protecting fundamental human rights.

The latest string of arrests and condemnation from various quarters show that this is yet another desperate attempt by the government to impose their will on citizens who are no longer dummies and taking everything in without going through the thought process.

Even BN members and component parties are against the so-called "justification" of the arrests :

Raja Petra was arrested for being a threat to security, peace and public order - This is funny. A man writing his own views on his own website being a threat. Is RPK gonna lead some form of people's revolt? Arms riot perhaps?

Tan was picked up for her report on former Bukit Bendera Umno division chief Datuk Ahmad Ismail’s racist remarks. Police "arrested" her over information that her life had been threatened (Says Home Minister). This is the mother of all jokes. Let me ask you Mr. Home Minister... what threat has been neutralized since Saturday night till Sunday that has guaranteed Ms. Tan's life is no longer in danger to warrant her release if what you say is true?

Kok was detained over a residents’ petition in Puchong over a mosque - Residents' petition, and Ms. Kok gets detained. More information please?


The fact remains that there is no consistancy in this country. Residents and investors alike don't know what to expect from this rag-tag government who seems to do whatever they like, arrest whoever they don't like, change whatever laws that they can't bend, and scream bloody "ISA!!!!" "Seditious Act!!!!" "Sensitive Issues!!!!" at everything else.