The Home Ministry has not ruled out the possibility of using the Internal Security Act (ISA) on the organisers illegal assemblies planned for July 9.

Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein said the need to use the ISA would only arise if there was a threat to public interest and national security.

azlan "ISA action can be taken on matters that clearly affect the security of the nation like the actions of terrorits groups such as Jemaah Islamiah (JI), Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) as well as human trafficking syndicates.

"However, when used in the context of politics, it will for sure be exploited by certain parties," he said here today.  

He was speaking to reporters after officiating Hulu Selangor Umno's division delegates meeting.

Hishamuddin said police were now monitoring the situation and developments relating to the illegal assemblies, including reactions from various groups whether they were pro or against them.

Police fair to all

He also denied that the police were being biased in handling the issue.

"I deny the focus is on the Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih). We are focusing on all groups whether they are Perkasa, Umno Youth or other groups.

"What is important is that the police do not discriminate and act according to the laws and objective of preserving the security of the nation," he said.

Hishammuddin said police and the security forces were ready to face any eventuality in handling the assemblies on July 9.

On the 31 persons including the Member of Parliament for Sungai Siput Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and Malaysian Socialist Party activists detained at the Sungai Dua Toll Plaza in Penang yesterday, Hishamuddin said initial investigations found that they were detained for having specific agenda.

"Police are now identifying the law and section suitable against them," he said.

DBKL officers to help police

Meanwhile Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) enforcement officers will assist the police to ensure the security of the public during the proposed illegal assembly on July 9.    

Minister of Federal Territories and Urban Wellbeing Raja Nong Chik Raja Zainal Abidin said today that the enforcement officers would ensure that no violence and chaos occurred during the rally since it would disrupt the activities of the public, businesses and tourists.    

"The illegal assembly can affect various activities of the people, especially those who shop to celebrate Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri," he told reporters after presenting diploma and degree scrolls to 116 students of the YPC-iTWEB Technology College.    

Raja Nong Chik who expressed disappointment with the organisers of the rally hoped that the public would boycott the rally because such a rally in Egypt had paralyzed the tourism industry and disrupted the security and peace of the country when students started street demonstrations early this year.    

- Bernama