Saturday, September 20, 2008

Najib Hopes Teresa Kok's Release Will Abate Furore Over ISA

PEKAN, Sept 19 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak hopes that the release of Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok from the Internal Security Act (ISA) Friday will help subdue the furore over detentions under the Act.

The deputy prime minister said he welcomed Kok's release if the police felt that it was the appropriate thing to do.

"It's the police's decision and I welcome it if it's apt. At the same time, it shows that the government places importance on peace and security in the country," he told reporters after the handing over of "zakat" (tithe) for the Pekan parliamentary constituency here.

Kok, who is also a Selangor state executive councillor, was released from detention under Section 73(1) of the ISA at 1.30pm Friday after eight days for alleged racial and religious incitement.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar said in a statement that police were satisfied with the cooperation given by Kok during the investigation and saw no reason to detain her any further.

-- BERNAMA