“Emergency” laws in Malaysia, particularly the Internal Security Act (ISA), continue to circumvent human rights safeguards enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution and international human rights law. Amnesty International recognizes the duty of states to protect the lives and safety of the public and to take reasonable steps to prevent acts of terrorism. But such steps should be implemented within a framework of protecting the human rights of all. Amnesty International remains gravely concerned that the Malaysian authorities have repeatedly failed to investigate effectively reports of torture or ill-treatment of ISA detainees by police.
