Singapore says tough security law still relevant

Singapore on Friday defended a tough security law allowing for detention without trial despite neighbouring Malaysia's plans to abolish similar legislation.

The political opposition and civil rights groups have accused the government of using the Internal Security Act (ISA) to stifle dissent by instilling a climate of fear.

"The government notes the announcement by Malaysia that it will be replacing its Internal Security Act with new legislation aimed at preventing subversive action, organised violence and criminal acts," the Ministry of Home Affairs said in a statement.

"The ISA in Singapore and Malaysia may have the same roots from the time when both were British colonies, but the two countries and their respective societies have evolved differently over time."

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak announced Thursday his government would scrap the 51-year-old law and ease other legislation long blamed for curbing civil liberties.

Bowing to a key opposition demand as speculation over snap polls mounts, Najib said the abolition of the ISA and other changes were aimed at striking a balance between security and democratic rights.

Singapore's home ministry however said there were differences in the ISA in both countries and maintained that the law remained relevant.

"The ISA continues to be relevant and crucial as a measure of last resort for the preservation of our national security," it said.

Singapore also said that it had used the ISA "sparingly", adding it had been employed against individuals deemed a threat to national security or to the maintenance of public order.

"No person has ever been detained only for their political beliefs," the ministry said.

Singapore has used the ISA only to deal with "threats of subversion, racial and religious extremism... espionage and terrorism," the ministry added.

"These threats continue to be salient today, especially in the last 10 years against the threat of terrorism, where the governments priority is to act swiftly to prevent an attack from taking place."

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Source : AFP