Malay rights pressure group Perkasa today proposed that the government hold a people's referendum to find out the stance of the majority in relation to the revival of the Internal Security Act (ISA) which was repealed in 2011.
 
Perkasa president Ibrahim Ali said the referendum was necessary following the actions of some irresponsible quarters who could not be detained by the authorities despite having stirred up sensitive issues.
 
"The referendum may be held like a vote to determine whether the majority of people agree to revive the ISA or not and it must be done as soon as possible," he told a press conference after chairing the first Perkasa supreme council meeting 2013-2016 session in Kuala Lumpur.
 
Former Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad had earlier proposed the revival of the ISA to handle extremist groups out to destabilise the country.
 
"The present laws such as the Peaceful Assembly Act and Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 which replaced the ISA are still inadequate to curb such activities," said Ibrahim.
 
- Bernama