Nazri: Umno not divided over ISA

Minister rubbishes claims that the PM met fierce internal resistance to his plan to scrap the Internal Security Act.

PUTRAJAYA: Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Nazri Aziz, rubbished claims that Najib Tun Razak met fierce internal resistance to his proposal to scrap the Internal Security Act (ISA).

The law minister claimed the idea to do away with the ISA was mooted as early as 2009 when Najib first took office as Prime Minister.

However, the Padang Rengas MP conceded that hardliners in Umno and other pressure groups like Malay rights group Perkasa, had excerted their influence previously.

“During Abdullah’s (Ahmad Badawi) time, there was some opposition as he was unclear on what he wanted to do, but Najib made clear his intention to review the ISA,” said Nazri.

“This could mean amendments, abolish or to repeal the ISA. The PM alerted various groups and the government of his intention, and this helped to prevent obstacles by BN members.”

On the eve of Malaysia Day, Najib announced a slew of reform measures, including one to scrap the ISA and ending the three Emergency Declarations.

He also made a proposal to review the yearly printing and publishing permits in the next Parliament sitting.

The Umno president’s announcement was, however, met with scepticism when he said two new laws will be enacted to protect the peace, harmony and security of the country.

Pressure groups in Umno

Najib took office in April 2009 after his predecessor was ousted following BN’s dismal performance in the 2008 general elecion and promised a review of the ISA.

When Abdullah took over as PM in 2002, he too, promised to carry out reforms but did not secure strong support after he failed to deliver.

This led to his resignation a year after BN lost its customary two-thirds majority in Parliament and five states.

Najib’s Thursday night’s reform announcement was seen as part of his continuous effort to live up to his reformist credentials.

It also comes in the wake of Putrajaya’s public relations nightmare following his high-handed tactics in dealing with Bersih’s July 9 poll reform rally.

The aftermath of the Bersih debacle saw Najib’s popularity dwindling to 59% this August from 79% in May 2010 according to a survey done by independent polling house Merdeka Centre.

Analysts immediately warned of resistance from the hardline elements from within his own party which Nazri said would require Najib’s consideration.

“There will be pressure from groups in Umno or other component parties. In a coalition, there will be some with conservative views. We must also consider this,” he said.