December 10, 2007 19:27 PM
JOHOR BAHARU, Dec 10 (Bernama) — The police will invoke the Internal Security Act (ISA) against the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) if the country’s security is compromised.
“I cannot say when this will happen but police will take sterner action. More drastic action will be taken if the security situation is at risk,” Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said Monday.
“There are signs already that Hindraf activities will have a negative effect on national security,” he told reporters here when asked on the possible use of ISA against Hindraf.
He said the police’s first option was to have those involved in sowing racial sentiments charged in court.
When suggested that this meant that the police took a soft stand against Hindraf, he said: “No. We will not compromise against groups out to destroy national security and the peace.”
He added that the police had completed their investigation on those involved with Hindraf and would have them charged in court soon.
On the police’s action on the organisers of illegal rallies held by the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih), Musa said only two people had been detained — Pas vice president Mohamad Sabu and Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief Tian Chua.
More arrests would be made soon, he said.
Asked why the sudden surge in illegal rallies, he said: “I cannot say for sure why, maybe because the general election is just around the corner.”