PM ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF 125 HELD UNDER RESTRICTED RESIDENCE ACT

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 5 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Najib Razak on Wednesday
announced the immediate release of 125 people held under the Restricted
Residence Act 1933 and the cancellation of more than 200 warrants yet to be
served.

The announcement comes in the wake of the motion to repeal the act tabled
for second reading in the Lower House of Parliament on Wednesday by the prime
minister.

"I stand in this august house today to launch the process to deliver the
government's promise. In this world, very seldom does a ruling government
voluntarily relax the power it wields," he said.

When tabling the Restricted Residence (Repeal) Bill 2011 for second reading,
Najib said the repeal of the act and several other acts was part of the
beginning of the country's Political Transformation Programme (PTP) which
complemented the ongoing Government Transformation Programme (GTP) and the
Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).

"I and my colleagues will not shy away from going forward and, in fact, are
all the more committed to doing the best for national harmony. Indeed, this is
just the beginning," he said.

Najib, in his special message on the eve of Malaysia May on Sept 15, had
announced the repeal of the Emergency Proclamation 1969, the Internal Security
Act 1960 and the Banish Act 1959, and a review of the Restricted Residence Act
1933, the Printing Presses and Publications Act 1984 and Section 27 of the
Police Act 1967.

The prime minister said the main thrust of the PTP took into account the
national aspiration to build a modern and progressive Malaysia with a
functioning democracy.

He said this was to balance the needs of national security and individual
freedom by taking into consideration the complex national pluralism and the
threat of global terrorism in a post-9/11 world.

Najib also hit out at the opposition parties which claimed that the
government had implemented their proposed plan to abolish the ISA and other laws
if they come to power.

"These people are crowing that the government stole their plan. In fact, we
were influenced by no one ... we were pressured by no one. The government made
the decision on its own will by launching the reform and improvement process.

"The test was whether we kept our promises. Others can claim these to be
their ideas or views, but they are not the government given the mandate by the
majority of the people to deliver on its promises," he said.

Najib said the transformation measures initiated by the government were not
born out of internal or external pressure or due to fears and concerns.

Instead, they were drawn up by the Barisan Nasional government as a
responsible government which had concern for the people at heart and understood
their aspirations, he added.

"In conclusion, everything was the result of cumulative national development
and progress pioneered by the same government in power since independence.

"This government realises that the trust to administer our beloved country
should be founded on the willingness and trust of the majority and not based on
power of intimidation," he said.

Najib reiterated that the government was not crazy for absolute power
because that would be contrary to the democratic way of life which the people
cherished.

"In fact, power is a trust, not a privilege. We made this decision with the
realisation that the highest goal of a government of the people, by the people
and for the people is the welfare and prosperity of its citizens," he said.
-- BERNAMA