Three Emergency Proclamations Rescinded, M'sians Ready To Enter New Era

KUALA LUMPUR, April 11 (bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak said the government rescinded three emergency proclamations because it is confident that Malaysians are ready to enter a new era. "The government believes that after more than half a century since Independence and practising democracy, Malaysians have reached a high level of maturity. "And in view of this, we are now ready to enter a new era where the function of government is no longer seen as limiting freedom of the individual, but instead, ensures that basic rights protected by the Constitution for each individual is assured," he said in his speech at the installation of Sultan Kedah Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah as the 14th Malaysian King at Istana Negara (National Palace) here Wednesday. Najib said: "Pursuant to this, after giving due consideration, a balance could be reached between freedom of the individual and national security." He said in line with this aspiration, the government through Parliament rescinded the three emergency proclamations and would allow all the ordinances under them to lapse in June except for three which will be tabled as new Bills that are related to the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), Rukun Tetangga (a neighbourhood watch programme) and Regional Maritime Laws. The prime minister said the government had also taken steps to repeal the Restricted Residence Act 1933, Banishment Act 1959, formulate the Peaceful Assembly Act 2011 and amend the University and University Colleges Act (UUCA) 1971. Najib said on Monday he would be tabling for second reading the bill to abolish the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Parliament. "Although the ISA has served the nation well, it has outlived its purpose. We need a new framework of national security legislation in the increasingly complex contemporary era," he said. Najib also said under the new law, the government had decided to revoke the power of detention without trial held by the Home Minister while the detention by the authorities for the purpose of investigation would now be shortened. "The power of judicial review will be fully returned to the courts. The bill also guarantees that no Malaysian can be detained because of his political beliefs and activities," he added. Najib said the Security Offences Bill (Special Measures) 2011, which was tabled for first reading in parliament on Tuesday, would not only ensure the authorities had adequate legal weaponry to combat global terrorism and defend parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, but also to protect the freedom of the citizens. "All these initiatives and programmes are to ensure that Tuanku's rule, God willing, will herald a golden democratic age in Malaysia," Najib said. Touching on the relationship between the Ruler and the people, the prime minister said history had proven that when the relations were enriched by harmony and fertilised by deep emotions and spirituality, any crisis could be tackled successfully. "Even though the coalescence of the King and people has been in existence since the outset, it remains relevant with the current realities," he said. Najib, who also represented the government and Malaysians, also recorded a feeling of pride because the institution of the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (King) as the head of the nation was now being held again by Tuanku Abdul Halim, who is very experienced and renowned for his love of the people. He said the historic installation ceremony today where Tuanku Abdul Halim was crowned as the Yang di-Pertuan Agong for the second time also symbolised how the national institution was firmly rooted since five decades ago. "This is a reflection of an unbroken stream of administrative wisdom of our beloved founding fathers since the late Tunku Abdul Rahman till today in blending and weaving the fabric of historical heritage and future needs in order to build national stability," said Najib. Tuanku Abdul Halim was appointed the Fifth Yang di-Pertuan Agong in 1970 at the age of 42 and now four decades later, he has been installed once again as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong at the age of 84. Najib said he and his family were fortunate and privileged to serve Tuanku Abdul Halim as the 14th Yang di-Pertuan Agong as his father (Najib's), the late Abdul Razak Hussein, who was Malaysia's second prime minister, had served under Tuanku Abdul Halim when he ascended to the throne in 1970. "After my late father had the opportunity to serve Tuanku, it now destined to be my turn to be at your service. It is God's will, and may God's assistance and inayah (concern) guide all of us," he said -- BERNAMA .