Putrajaya, Dec 14: The Malaysian Government has justified its decision to invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) against Hindu Rights Action Front (Hindraf) leaders.

Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar told a select group of diplomats at Wisma Putra about the Government's position, and added that it did not matter whether they agreed with the move or not.

"I was explaining the factual part. I am not seeking their consent; I answer to the Malaysian public and Parliament, " he said after meeting over 70 diplomats.

Syed Hamid said that the Government is reluctant to use the ISA "until and unless it is absolutely necessary. "

He said that ISA is a preventive law, and added that one can't wait for things to occur and then take action; by then it would be too late.

Syed Hamid said the ISA was no different from laws in developed countries such as the United States' Patriot Act.

"Some countries like to comment on other countries but do not look what is happening in their own country; how destructive and how difficult they are, " he added.

The Star Online quoted Syed Hamid as saying that Malaysian diplomatic missions overseas have been told to brief their respective governments about the actual situation in the country.

Hindraf is fighting for the cause of Malay Indians. (ANI)