CHAPTER 3 - REPORT OF THE LAW REFORM AND INTERNATIONAL TREATIES WORKING GROUP A group discussion in progress at the RTD on CAT 10. PREVENTIVE DETENTION LAWS Since its inception, the Commission has consistently called for the repeal of the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA) and all other preventive detention laws. The Commission therefore welcomes the decision of the Prime Minister, Hon Dato’ Sri Najib Abdul Razak, to annul the existing Proclamations of Emergency and to repeal the ISA and the Banishment Act 1959. On 5 October, the Prime Minister tabled Bills in the Dewan Rakyat to repeal the Banishment Act 1959 and the Restricted Residence Act 1933; these were unanimously passed by the Members of Parliament. The step is in line with the protection and promotion of human rights. The Commission also lauds the Government’s move to release detainees being held under the ISA and Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969. Where the ISA is concerned, recommendations for its abolition and the related issues have been highlighted in the Commission’s Report, The Review of the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA Report). In the view of the Government’s decision to replace the ISA with new legislation, the Commission reiterates, as highlighted in the ISA Report, that any such law should take a tough stand against threats to national security, including terrorism, without undermining fundamental human rights principles. 63