Malaysia urged to speed up changes to Internal Security Act

Petaling Jaya (Malaysia), Jan.26 (ANI): Malaysia should expedite its amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA) and other laws that are considered restrictive, says Human Rights Watch in its latest report.

The New York-based international non-governmental organization that conducts research and advocacy on human rights, said in its World Report 2011 released on Monday that there were restrictions in Malaysia on freedom of expression critical of the government.

The report quoted Malaysian Home Minister Hishammuddin Tun Hussein as saying the ISA could not be amended without reviewing other laws affecting security.

According to The Star, these include the Emergency (Public Order and Crime Prevention) Ordinance, the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventative Measures) Act and the Restricted Residence Act.

The 649-page report is the 21st annual review of human rights practices around the world by the group.

It summarises major human rights issues in more than 90 countries, reflecting investigative work carried out in 2010 by Human Rights Watch staff. (ANI)