Najib: Only BN can claim credit for ISA repeal

Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak today slammed those who are taking credit for the government's decision to abolish the Internal Security Act, announced Thursday.

Speaking at Shah Alam today, Najib said the credit should go to the BN government for listening to the people.

"Don't anyone try to claim credit, saying that my announcement (on the ISA) is due to their efforts.

"It is not due to their struggle but a decision made by BN after listening to the desires of the rakyat," he said.

Pakatan Rakyat and human rights organisations have claimed the move to abolish the ISA came after years of pressure from civil society and the pledges in Pakatan's Buku Jingga.

Najib was speaking at an event called 'Sirih Pulang ke Gagang' (A Return to the Fold) where he received about 7,000 BN associate member application forms said to be from Pakatan Rakyat supporters from Selangor.

BN 'recovers' trust and confidence

The premier was presented with the forms by individuals claiming to be from Pakatan divisions in Sri Muda, Shah Alam, Bukit Kemuning, Klang, Puchong, Kinrara, Bukit Jalil, Ijok and Petaling Jaya.

"I thank you for resolving and pledging to support BN... (The move) reflects BN government has managed to recover trust and confidence since the 2008 general election," Najib said.

The premier, who addressed the 1,000 mostly-Indian participants at Universti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), was at the event lauded as a "warrior", "champion of unity" and "the best leader in the nation's history".

He had entered the hall to a standing ovation and chants of "Najib, Najib, Najib" led by the emcee.