PUTRAJAYA: National interest and striking a balance between the rights of individuals and the majority will be priorities when reviewing laws which come under the Home Ministry, its new minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said.
Pledging to carry out his responsibilities without fear or favour, Hishammuddin said any revision made to present laws, including the much talked about review of the Internal Security Act (ISA), must ensure that the three elements were protected.
“Whatever changes that will be made will not jeopardise national interest, safety and unity of this country at a time when the nation is facing many challenges,” he said.
Your turn: Hishammuddin (second from right) handing over documents to Muhyiddin at the Education Ministry yesterday. Hishammuddin is the new Home Minister. Looking on are Dr Wee (left) and Puad.
Hishammuddin was speaking to reporters after he and his two deputies Datuk Wira Abu Seman Yusoff and Jelaing Mersat were briefed on the Home Ministry’s operations yesterday.
Hishammuddin said there were 40 different laws under the purview of his ministry.
Asked if an independent committee would be set up to look into the ISA review, he said it was too early to tell.
He said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak did not give any deadline as to when the review should be made.
“As for more freedom for the media, I want to engage with the stakeholders – media practitioners and publications – to see how we can work together.”
Hishammuddin said he intended to carry out the work without fanfare because issues become polarised if done under the public eye. “This is something I cannot afford,” he said.
Hishammuddin said he wanted a detailed briefing on police personnel’s well-being and welfare to determine if what was currently offered to them was “worth risking their lives for”.
Earlier when leaving the Education Ministry, Hishammuddin said one of the legacies he was leaving behind was the establishment of a firm foundation for a new curriculum which would be implemented in 2010.
“We have set a strong foundation these last five years and carried out pilot projects with the right approaches so that we have the necessary information when they are rolled out nationwide,” he told reporters after handing over duties to Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Sumber : The Star 15 April 2009
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