15/12: Information Minister says people support use of ISA

The Sun

Information Minister Datuk Seri Zainuddin Maidin says the detention of five leaders of the illegal Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) is "what the people want".

"It is also the government's determination to safeguard public order and national security. That's what the people demand," he added.

Speaking to reporters after the launch of his ministry's Quality Day this morning, Zainuddin said the people had expected the government to detain the five under the Internal Security Act (ISA) and "are generally supportive".

Yesterday, the federal police Special Branch used the ISA on four lawyers - P.Uthayakumar, 46, M.Manoharan, 46, V.Ganabatirau, 34 and R.Kengadharan, 40 - and Malaysian Building Society Bhd (MBSB) senior executive K.Vasanthakumar, 34.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Tan Sri Musa Hassan said in a statement issued by Bukit Aman yesterday evening that all five had beens ent to the Kamunting Detention Camp in Taiping, Perak.

Zainuddin said: "We are aware the government's action would be criticised by western groups through their media. We are ready to counter whatever negative reports about Malaysia.

"All divisions in my ministry have been told to explain the government's use of the ISA to both local and foreign media. We have the facts and we will disseminate them.

"I challenge the western media to practise real democracy by publishing both sides of the story and not twist them to suit their own agenda."

Zainuddin said negative western media reports would not damage Malaysia's image and turn away tourists and investors as the country had its competitive edge.

"Since achieving Independence (Merdeka), the western media has never supported us. Whatever policies, such as the New Economic Policy, have been portrayed negatively in their reports. But still, we are so successful today (economically)," he added.

Zainuddin said the government rejected the concept of democracy promoted by the West, with street demonstrations being part of the democratic process.

"We will never accept this. Have the countries with frequent street demonstrations managed to achieve the prosperity and stability that we enjoy? Most of these countries are mired in conflicts or chaos," he stressed.

Earlier, Zainuddin in his address advised hministry employees to equip themselves with the latest and accurate information.

"Today's society is more educated and will not easily accept explanations without facts. Whether we are effective in disseminating information fast will determine how fast we can build a first-class mentality society," he said.