Kuala Lumpur, May 26 : Senior Malaysian political leaders have said that the country's controversial Internal Security Act should be repealed and not reviewed.

Gerakan acting president Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said: “When anything is evil, it should be abolished. There are no two ways about it. I would like to encourage all Malaysians to call on the Government to release all the ISA detainees and to repeal the Act.

“In the spirit of justice, it is our responsibility to be part of this cause to end this flagrant injustice and uphold the spirit of humanity,” The New Strait Times quoted him, as saying further.

Dr Koh said the review should make the Act compliant with basic human rights principles with clear criteria and safeguards.

He said that it was internationally recognised that the detention of persons without trial was in violation of the rule of law, human rights and the principles of a democratic government.

He said the country’s future depended on the ability of all Malaysians to openly discuss and express their views on all issues. (ANI)