Rommel: Malaysia still under state of emergency

Thierry Rommel, an Belgian envoy from the European Commission told Reuters that Malaysia was still living under a state of emergency. He also referred to the 1969 Emergency Ordinance and the Internal Security Act (ISA). Both allow detention for years without trial.

Rommel's statement came after the BERSIH rally held on 10 November 2007. Reuters was requested to withhold publication of his comments until after he had left the country.

Reuters:

...Malaysia's "Bumiputra" policy of affirmative action, which favours majority ethnic Malays, distorted trade because it allowed the government to award state contracts to Malay businesses without clear, competitive tender procedures. It also fostered corruption...