NAJIB'S FIRST ACTION: YOU BE THE JUDGE ;-)

Source: Malaysiakini

In his first address to the nation as prime minister, Najib Abdul Razak said the government has freed 13 Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees and lifted the ban on two opposition publications.

MCPX

"I would like to announce that the government has decided with immediate effect to remove the temporary ban on two news publications, release 13 detainees from ISA detention, and conduct a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act," he said in his first act after taking office today.

"These decisions are timely as we move to enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order," he said.

In his eight-minute speech which was telecast live by RTM 1, the new premier also pledged to "provide strong leadership" to lift the country out of the economic crisis.

Immediately after Najib's address, Home Minister Syed Hamid Albar announced the names of the 13 ISA detainees to be freed.

Frankly, I was taken aback by Najib's action until I read anilnetto's 'Najib springs a surprise of his own'.

He blogged:

But be cautious: this is exactly the way Mahathir started when he came into power in 1981. He released a whole bunch of ISA detainees. And then came Operasi Lalang in 1987.