ISA ACTION MAY ONLY HAVE SHORT-TERM IMPACT ON NATION'S ECONOMY, SAYS NOR MOHAMED

PENANG (Malaysia), Sept 13 (Bernama) -- The detention of three people under the Internal Security Act (ISA) by the government Friday, may only have a short-term impact on the nation's economy, said Second Finance Minister Nor Mohamed Yakcop.
He however added that the action taken was necessary for the government to
ensure the long-term stability of the country and at the same time provide the
confidence for investors.
"There might surface some issues related to investments and the inflow
of funds over the short term. Investors will wait and see over the next day or
two.
"But over the long term, there should be no problems.Investors from within
and outside the country would like to see political and social stability to
enable them to conduct their business in a stable environment," he told
reporters after presenting contributions to mosques and suraus here
Saturday.
He also said that businessmen and investors would certainly view the
government's action as a step towards ensuring political stability.
"In this regard, all concerned should consider the country's economy as a
whole and over the long term.There is no need for the public to panic over this
development as it only has a short-term impact," said Nor Mohamed.
The three detained under the ISA are Selangor executive councillor and
Seputeh Member of Parliament Teresa Kok, Malaysia Today website editor Raja
Petra Kamarudin and Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng.