Malaysia's Internal Security Act

The Internal Security Act was legislated in 1960 in Malaysia.

-- It states that any police officer, without a warrant, may arrest and detain anyone he/she has "reason to believe" has acted or likely to act in "any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia."

-- The act also allows for restrictions on freedom of assembly, association, and expression, freedom of movement, residence and employment.

-- The authorities may initially detain a suspect for 60 days in solitary confinement

-- During this period the authorities may deny the suspect access to lawyers or relatives.

-- On approval of the Home Affairs Minister, suspects can be detained for up to two years without trial.

-- The ISA can be applied on the assumption of the possibility of future crime.

-- Schools and educational establishments can be closed if they are used as meeting places for unlawful organizations of for reasons deemed detrimental to the interests of Malaysia or the public.

-- Ousted Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was initially arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA).