The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today urged newly appointed Deputy Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to uphold human rights, especially in relation to the controversial Internal Security Act.

"This should be the future, despite the war on terrorism, do we allow superpowers to invade smaller countries and use security laws as an excuse?" said commissioner Prof Hamdan Adnan when contacted.

"Our government must look into this matter seriously. Where the ISA is concerned, we are asking for those detained to be tried in court, and for those in prisons to be given proper legal representation," he added.

At a Suhakam organised function in conjunction with the World Human Rights Day recently, Najib had stressed on the need to maintain the security law due to the changing global environment.

However, he said the government was open to a review of the "procedural aspects" of the ISA, and that the government had already made amendments to the Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2003 based on the recommendations from the commission.

Bad choice

Human rights watchdog Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) called on the new deputy premier to carry forward more progressive policies on human rights and democracy.

"This is not a comment but a request from us," said its executive director Cynthia Gabriel.

"Although his recent remarks on the ISA does not suggest that he will, nevertheless, we want him to look into this area seriously," she added.

Meanwhile, the Penang-based Save Ourselves (SOS) movement was pessimistic about Najib's contribution towards improving human rights in the country.

Its coordinator Ong Boon Keong described his appointment as a disappointment due to his recent remarks on the ISA.

"His statement goes against the grain of the new government who wants to eradicate corruption, improve government services, open up the media and promote the economy.

"He may be a burden to the new government and what it wants to do for human rights, he may be unable to extend the people friendly image that Abdullah wants to achieve," he added.

The activist also recalled Najib's 'inflammatory' speeches in the run-up to the 1987 Operasi Lallang which saw more than 100 people, including opposition leaders and activists, detained under the ISA.

Political prisoners

The security law, which provides for detention without trial, was first enacted to combat the communist insurgency.

Over the decades many political stalwarts have been held under the law. This includes jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, DAP leaders Lim Kit Siang and Karpal Singh.

The more recent political prisoners, were five Keadilan top leaders who were detained in 2001 for allegedly planning to topple the government through militant means.

The five, who have denied the charge, were released last year after their two-year detention orders expired.