Newly-elected MCA president Ong Tee Keat today said that Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi did not rule out a future review of the controversial Internal Security Act (ISA).

“Did the prime minister really rule out or did you ask him if he would do it now? From what I know, what he said was different from what you said,” said Ong in reply to a question on Abdullah’s comments yesterday.

Nevertheless, Ong assured the party would not let the issue drop and also promised to keep pushing for the oppressive law to be reviewed.

mca agm 181008 ong tee keat victory pc“Any outdated law should be subject to review. This is the position of the four MCA cabinet ministers. In cabinet meetings, we will pursue the matter,” he told a press conference held at the end of the party's 55th annual general meeting in Kuala Lumpur.

According to him, the party had tabled a resolution on the ISA, which has been used by the government to detain civilians including political foes for indefinite periods of time without trial.

Delegates unanimously passed the resolution, which sought a review of the Act plus the provision of an oversight mechanism so as to ensure that the law would be used only against “terrorism and subversive elements”.

“The party leadership will pursue the matter through the Barisan Nasional supreme council,” Ong added.

Federal posts in question

On whether ministers and deputy ministers who lost their party posts at the election held over the weekend would have to surrender their cabinet positions, Ong said that it would be discussed soon.

“I don’t have any announcement on it now,” he said.

Casualties include Housing and Local Government Minister Ong Ka Chuan, Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung and National Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Teng Boon Soon.

All three lost their party posts.

Traditionally, only office bearers are recommended for cabinet positions.

Ong was also noncommittal when asked to if he would push for the post of a deputy premiership as suggested by Penang delegate Tan Teik Cheng and Selangor delegate Kow Cheong Wei.

“Any delegate can voice his or her concerns but ultimately a decision will depend on the party leadership,” he said.