Enter new bill, exit ISA

The Internal Security Act has finally been sent to the dustbin of history after the Dewan Rakyat passed the replacement Bill.

UPDATED

KUALA LUMPUR: The Dewan Rakyat today passed the Security Offences (Special Measures) Bill 2012 after Deputy Speaker Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar put the matter to a voice vote.

Sungai Siput MP (PSM) Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj tried to raise amendments affecting five sections of the Bill.

He was the only MP in the Dewan Rakyat to do so.

Following his attempt, which was rejected by a voice vote, Parliament then speedily passed the law this afternoon.

It was presented for first reading last Tuesday and the second reading yesterday.

The new law will replace the 52-year-old Internal Security Act. It is aimed at combating terrorism, sabotage and espionage, but cannot be used to detain people for their political beliefs.

It also removes the home minister’s power to extend periods of detention and provides for the right of a detained person to a trial in court.

However, the Bill still has to go through the Dewan Negara and then on to Royal Assent before it can be gazetted as law.