Reducing ISA detention to 28 days from 60

(The Star) KUALA LUMPUR: The Government is looking into a proposal to reduce the detention period under the Internal Security Act from 60 to 28 days, said Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

The Home Minister said this was among suggestions made to review the controversial Act, which is up for review in the next Parliament meeting.

Citing Britain as an example, Hishammuddin said the detention period under a similar Act there had been reduced to 28 days.

Speaking to reporters at the Parliament lobby yesterday, he said components of the review, which included proposals and suggestions from interest groups and members of the public, were being compiled now.

Hishammuddin said this suggestion came from the public and not the Government.

“A lot of reviews of the laws that will be amended had originated from the public. The Government is seriously listening to what the public wants us to do.”

Several other Acts under the purview of the ministry would also be tabled in the next Parliament meeting.

Another suggestion was a re-look at the Restricted Residence Act and Crime Prevention Act.

He said the vast improvement in the country’s infrastructure like roads, highways and public transportation and communication technology made legislation on the order to restrict the movement of a person outdated.