KUALA LUMPUR: People's Progressive Party Youth leader T. Murugiah Monday (15 Sept) called for the Internal Security Act (ISA) to be reviewed, particularly in its usage.

"I don't mind if we use the ISA against terrorists but not on normal civilians. We have enough laws for civilians. I think it's just too cruel. We
can use the Sedition Act when it comes to civilians," he said.

Murugiah was commenting on the arrests of Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok and Malaysia Today news portal editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin on Friday (12 Sept) under the act. Tan was released on Saturday (13 Sept).

He spoke to reporters after attending a meeting at Sekolah Menengah Bukit Bandaraya in Bangsar to investigate allegations that two teachers had made racist remarks against students of the school recently.

He reminded teachers not to use remarks, statements or words that can spark racial tension even whhen joking with their students.

Murugiah, who is Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Deartment, said: "I would like to advise teachers to lead through example. Even though sometimes we may joke around, that person might not take it as a joke.

"In the future, teachers should please try to avoid or refrain from using words that could hurt a person from another race. Sensitive words, we all know which words."

He reiterated Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's stand against those who cause racial and ethnic tensions.

"The prime minister may be tolerant on certain issues but never on racism. He has been very firm against racism and on issues that could spark racial tension or fighting," he said. (Bernama)