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Clear message to Najib - Abolish the ISA now!
Malaysian Socialist Party Statement - August 1, 2009
The forty thousand strong mobilisation today in Kuala Lumpur and the thousands who did not make it because of police road-blocks gave a very clear and precise message to the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak – repeal the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
The pro-ISA gathering fizzled out or was drowned by the immense anti-ISA gathering led by the Abolish ISA Movement – a coalition of 83 organisation including Parti Sosialis Malaysia.
This has been the biggest ever gathering organised against the ISA since the draconian law was enacted 49 years ago. The police used chemical laced tear gas on the peaceful and well organised crowd. More than four hundred people were arrested. Including scores of PSM supporters.
The gathering spearheaded by PAS and other opposition party was the biggest opposition rally since the last general election. PSM and JERIT played prominent role with the other parties in organising this huge gathering. It was a victory for the democratic movement and a blow to the Government and the pro-ISA group.
The Prime Minister yesterday called on the anti-ISA protesters to give him ideas on how to improve this draconian law which his Government said that they are in the process of amending it. The message today was clear that the people want the ISA abolished.
The ISA has been used for the last five decades, by all the Prime Ministers against democratic movements, workers movement, civil society and student movements to enable the Government to cling to its power. It was the the deadliest arsenal in the hands of the ruling party.
PSM applaud the brave people who came to the streets today to make a point. The rally today was participated by a huge number of young people given hope that the strugggle ahead is bright.
Abolish the ISA now!
S. Arutchelvan
Secretary General
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