NAJIB HOPES TERESA KOK'S RELEASE WILL ABATE FURORE OVER ISA

PEKAN (Malaysia), Sept 20 (Bernama) -- Najib Razak hopes that the
release of Seputeh member of parliament Teresa Kok from the Internal Security Act (ISA) today will help subdue the furore over detentions under the Act.

The deputy prime minister said he welcomed Kok's release if the police felt that it was the appropriate thing to do.

"It's the police's decision and I welcome it if it's apt. At the same time,
it shows that the government places importance on peace and security in the
country," he told reporters after the handing over of "zakat" (tithe) for the
Pekan parliamentary constituency here.

Kok, who is also a Selangor state executive councillor, was released from
detention under Section 73(1) of the ISA at 1.30pm Friday after eight days for
alleged racial and religious incitement.

Deputy Inspector-General of Police Ismail Omar said in a statement
that police were satisfied with the cooperation given by Kok during the
investigation and saw no reason to detain her any further.

-- BERNAMA