isa will be used on protestors

HULU SELANGOR, June 26 (Bernama) -- The Home Affairs Mnistry has not ruled

out the possibility of using the Internal Security Act (ISA) on the organisers

illegal assemblies planned for July 9.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishamuddin Tun Hussein said the need to use the

ISA would only arise if there was a threat to public interest and national

security.

"ISA action can be taken on matters that clearly affect the security of the

nation like the actions of terrorits groups such as Jemaah Islamiah (JI),

Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as well as human trafficking syndicates.

However, when used in the context of politics, it will for sure be exploited by

certain parties," he said here today.

He was speaking to reporters after officiating Hulu Selangor Umno''s

Division Delegates Meeting.

Hishamuddin said police were now monitoring the situation and developments

relating to the illegal assemblies, including reactions from various groups

whether they were pro or against them.

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HISHAMMUDDIN-ISA 2 (LAST) HULU SELANGOR

He also denied that the police were being biased in handling the issue.

"I deny the focus is on the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih).

We are focusing on all groups whether they are Perkasa, Umno Youth or other

groups.

"What is important is that the police do not discriminate and act according

to the laws and objective of preserving the security of the nation," he said.

On the capability of the police in handling the assemblies on that day, he

said police and the security forces were ready to face any eventuality.

On the 31 persons including the Member of Parliament for Sungai Siput Dr

Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and Malaysian Socialist Party activists detained at

the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza in Penang yesterday, Hishamuddin said initial

investigations found that they were detained for having specific agenda.

"Police are now identifying the law and section suitable against them," he

said.

-- BERNAMA

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