Have you heard of a pro-ISA rally?

On November 23, the Edisi 7 prime time news on the public channel, NTV7 reported that a pro-ISA gathering was held in Kuala Lumpur, organised by a coalition of NGOs known as Pewaris. It was reported that 500 people took part in the rally in support of the ISA (Internal Security Act) to remain despite the countless calls for its abolishment by various quarters of society. The group's spokesperson at the gathering told NTV7 reporters that the group believes the ISA should be retained but amendments to the legislature are needed to keep up with the times.

The 500-strong group marched for 2km along Jalan Tun Razak in the heart of the capital city, cheering their way to the Jalan Tun Razak Police Station to lodge a police report seeking action against those who stir up racial issues and question Malay rights.

The march was briefly disrupted when an unidentified woman, a pedestrian, started making her anti-ISA sentiments known to the group. She was also seen taking pictures with her cellphone. Her actions provoked several participants of the march who went after her. Fortunately, police officers at the scene managed to intervene and safely escorted the lady to her car. Angry remarks were heard hurling at the lady when she made her way to safety. One of the participants of the pro-ISA rally was even caught on tape kicking her car. No police arrests have been made.

On the same day, Malaysiakini reported the police had disrupted an anti-ISA event which was held at a field in Ampang Jaya. The gathering of about 100 people were greeted by 40 over anti-riot personnels who moved in to dispersed the crowd. It was understood that 7 arrests were made by the police.

It was unclear whether a police permit was granted to the organisers of the pro-ISA rally but it was apparent that the anti-ISA event had been marked as 'illegal' the moment it began. Now, which behaviour was more of a threat to society: A mob who went after a lady in the streets or a group of people gathered at a municipal field?