A federal minister was criticised today for using the US government's possible policy on political assassinations to justify the government's use of the Internal Security Act.

Speaking for the Anti-ISA Movement (GMI), Zaid Kamaruddin conceded that political assassinations are a form of violence which is against the law.

"But even if the US actually undertakes such act, it does not change the status of the ISA as a cruel law that denies the detainee the right to a lawyer, to self defence and provides for detention without trial," said Zaid, in a statement.

"The ISA denies basic human rights and goes against the principles of democracy and the rule of law," added the GMI working committee chairperson.

Zaid was responding to statements made yesterday by Minister in the Prime Minister's Department Dr Rais Yatim which said that if the US were to allow political assassinations it would be far worse than the ISA.

The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) which has denounced the ISA was also criticised by Rais who asked the 12-member commission to compare US' policy on assassinations and the Malaysian government's use of the ISA.

Suhakam vocally criticised the use of the ISA when 10 reformasi and Keadilan leaders were detained for allegedly attempting to 'overthrow the government through militant means' in April.

Last month, the government also used the ISA against alleged members of the Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM) which according to authorities were responsible for the bombing of a temple, a church and a spate of robberies.

"GMI detects a sense of prejudice in Rais as he has dragged the commission into the fray with his cynical statement," Zaid said.

Reviewing ban

In response to Tuesday's terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon, the US government announced that it would be reviewing a 1976 legislation banning the assassination of individuals who are considered as threats.

The US has pointed the finger at alleged terrorist Osama bin Laden for orchestrating the attacks and is mulling the use of such tactics against him.

US president George W Bush is also considering military strikes against Afghanistan, where the ruling Taliban regime is harbouring Osama.