CHAPTER 2 - REPORT OF THE COMPLAINTS AND INQUIRIES WORKING GROUP • Lack of amenities such as roads, water and electricity supply • Difficulty in obtaining MyKad • Education • Requests by the Orang Asli for the Gombak Hospital to be managed by the MoH or, alternatively, for improvements to services under the current management (c) Use of Preventive Detention Laws Individuals, political parties and civil society groups kept up complaints relating to the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 and Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985. The 60-day remand period, two-year detention order and two-year restriction order remained the subject of many complaints. In several cases, it was alleged that the police had acted on false and malicious information. There were also claims that the police had abused their power in recommending to the Home Minister that action should be taken against individuals under these laws. Three meetings were held with the police to highlight and discuss the Commission’s concerns about the use of these laws. The Commission reiterated its stand against detention without trial. ... the Commission observed that many minors and young adults had been detained on suspicion of theft and involvement with triads. The Commission is of the view that these alleged offences could have been dealt with under different laws such as the Penal Code. Preventive detention laws have also been applied to minors and young adults. From the complaints received and a visit to the Machang Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Kelantan, the Commission observed that many minors and young adults had been detained on suspicion of theft or involvement with triads. The Commission is of the view that these alleged offences could have been dealt with under different laws such as the Penal Code. This would have ensured that the rights of minors are protected in line with the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), which Malaysia has ratified. On 15 September, the Prime Minister, Hon Dato’ Sri Najib Abdul Razak, announced that the ISA and Banishment Act 1959 would be repealed. On 5 October, the Prime Minister presented two Bills to abolish the Banishment Act 1959 and Restricted Residence Act 1933. These were unanimously passed by Members of Parliament. The Prime Minister also announced that a comprehensive law would be drafted to replace the ISA. The Commission welcomes this, in line with its stand and recommendations in The Review of the Internal Security Act 1960, published in 2003. 44

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