Friday, January 8, 2010

ISA can be used against 'Allah' protesters
S Pathmawathy
Jan 8, 10
1:42pm
The government today warned that it will not hesitate to use the Internal Security Act against demonstrators who plan to protest today against a court ruling which allowed a Catholic publication to use the word 'Allah'.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said that the government will use every means necessary, including the ISA, to ensure the national security.

"I will use everything that is necessary to make sure that the country is safe," he said during a press conference.

"ISA is not personal and political, but it is for security," said Hishammuddin.

He also stressed that neither he nor Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak had given the go ahead for the protesters to rally today.

"We never said demonstrations can go on. Don't put words in my mouth," he said.

Several NGOs are planning to stage a nationwide protest at mosques after Friday prayers today to protest over the Allah issue.

Don't take part, says IGP

Speaking to reporters at the same press conference, police chief Musa Hassan reiterated that the demonstrations will be listed as illegal assemblies as no permits have been issued.

"If they take any action that will affect the security, the police will take action," he said.

He also added that the police have been instructed to monitor all the mosques, particularly those scheduled to host the demonstrations.

Quizzed if any drastic measures will be taken if any protest takes place, Musa said:

"We cannot reveal what action will be taken. Within the compound of the places of worship, we cannot take any action," he said.

The inspector general of police added the police were also monitoring blogs and and social networking website such as Facebook.

"We will be checking all the blogs as some are inflaming sentiments and instigate people to break the law," said Musa.

The police will investigate these comments under the Sedition Act.

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