New Malaysian PM should repeal Internal Security Act: Human Rights Watch

NEW YORK, Oct 28 (AFP) - Human Rights Watch denounced the rights record of outgoing Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday and urged his successor, Abdullah Badawi, to repeal the controversial Internal Security Act.

In a letter to Badawi, who takes office Friday, the New York-based watchdog said the incoming premier "should signal his commitment to human rights by repealing the Internal Security Act," which allows detention without trial and allows two-year detention orders to be renewed indefinitely.

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"The repeal of this repressive law should be the first step in opening Malaysia's tightly controlled political climate," Human Rights Watch said.

Badawi, the group said, "inherits a government with a mixed record on human rights.

"After assuming power in 1981, the autocratic Mahathir used various repressive laws to silence or even imprison his critics," it said.

"While during the past two decades many Malaysians enjoyed rising standards of living, they could not exercise basic political rights."

Brad Adams, executive director of the Asia Division of Human Rights Watch, said "Mahathir's human rights legacy is not one to be proud of.

"Badawi needs to do things differently on human rights," Adams said. "Badawi has the opportunity to make Malaysia a leader in the region by promoting political and cultural pluralism."

In the letter, Human Rights Watch also urged Badawi to ensure the independence of the judiciary, end media censorship and to promote women's rights.

Human Rights Watch also called on Badawi to ensure the rights of association and assembly and to free imprisoned politician Anwar Ibrahim.

Once seen as heir to Mahathir, Anwar claims he was sacked and later charged with sodomy and corruption to prevent a political challenge to Mahathir.

His trials were criticised internationally, and the United States and human rights group Amnesty International list him as a political prisoner.

"Mahathir ran a paternalistic government that tried to decide what was right for the Malaysian people," Adams said. "Now the people of Malaysia should be free to make these choices as they see fit."

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