PUTRAJAYA, Aug 19 (Bernama) -- Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein said the contentious amendments to Section 114A of the Evidence Act 1950 should not be turned into a polemic, political and emotional issue which would supercede the prime minister's political transformation agenda.

"Don't make the amendments to Section 114A of the Evidence Act 1950 a polemic, political and emotional issue that clouds the whole political transformation being implemented by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak," he told reporters at the federal government's open house at Seri Perdana here today.

He noted the public furore in cyberspace over the amendments but concluded that it was because the former had not been enlightened on them.

Last Wednesday, Information Communication and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim said the Cabinet was studying the amendments, in response to the directive by Najib who had taken into consideration, public dissatisfaction expressed over them through the internet.

A campaign was mounted against the Act by the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) with its banner titled, 'Stop 114A', appearing on Facebook and downloaded by numerous internet users nationwide.

Meanwhile, Hishammuddin, commenting on the uneasiness among city dwellers on the influx of foreigners into Kuala Lumpur during the festive holidays, said his ministry was constantly monitoring the situation to ensure security.

"We will ensure that they will not do anything other than work in the country.

"However, the people must also understand that foreign workers, for a developing country like Malaysia, are crucial for jobs in sectors which could not be filled by locals," he stressed.