Taking a backward step

Just two years ago, in his Malaysia Day address, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak made a series of historical announcements which were celebrated by many Malaysians from all parts of the country. 

True to his promise when he first came into power, the Prime Minister announced the much-awaited repeal of the draconian laws known as the Internal Security Act and the Emergency Ordinances. These laws were rejected by the people not only because they were obsolete and subject to abuses, but also because they violated basic human rights principles where people can be detained without trial or criminal charge and thus being deprived of their right to be heard and their right to a fair trial.