De facto Law Minister Zahid resigns...........

De facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim broke ranks with the government today, and criticised the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA).

"We have many laws which the police could have used to detain the three people without having to use the ISA. We have the Sedition Act and the Penal Code," he said.

Zaid also said many other approaches could be employed to minimise racial differences or issues, including through dialogue sessions and peaceful discussions.

On Friday, the police detained Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, Seputeh MP and Selangor state executive councillor Teresa Kok and blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin. Tan has since been released following string protests and representations made on her behalf by Barisan Nasional (BN) leaders, including some from Umno.

Leaders from the opposition Pakatan Rakyat (PR) alliance have also criticised the use of the ISA by the police, and have accused the BN government of using the arrests to head off possibility of the opposition seizing power next week. But the criticisms of the ISA appear to have found a voice within BN.

Zaid was not the only minister who spoke out against the ISA today, amid mounting public pressure for some sort of review of the ISA.

Zaid said today that he would seek a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Badawi for a "frank discussion" about the issue.

"I know I am breaking rank here," he told reporters. "I " prepared for the consequences. If I am to resign I will do so."

Datuk Zaid Ibrahim has resigned as Minister in the Prime Minister's Department. Read here.

Pat Lah confirmed this in Terengganu last night that he had received the letter,but, rejected it and told Zaid to take off work for two weeks. Probably sending to Taiwan again.....

cheers.