Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) once again would like to express our disappointment on the recent ISA arrest against 13 people allegedly involved in militant activities and a threat to the security of our country. We question the numerous ISA arrests made in the name of terrorism. Are these allegations fair or is it a fairy tale? These questions will remain unanswered as long as the accused are not given a chance to defend themselves and as long as repressive laws are used.

We demand to the Government to charge all detainees of ISA in an open court and reiterate our position that the ISA violates fundamental rights, goes against the right of a person to defend themselves in an open and fair trial, is immoral, cruel and condones torture.

We continue to seek explanation on the following:

KMM was initially labeled as Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM) and then the name was mysteriously changed to Malaysian Militant Group (KMM). Why ?

Is the arrest and the revelation of the names timed to help Barisan Nasional in the coming January 19 by- election in Indera Kayangan, Perlis ?

The government has previously talked about having evidence and was even willing to come out with a white paper on KMM. Why isn’t this so-called evidence used to charge them in an open court ? The only way for the Government to gain public confidence is to conduct an open trial. Failing to do that, there is no doubt that the ISA is an instrument maintained by the government to control our public life and civil society.

It is sad that the Government has taken the easy route by joining the bandwagon of September 11 and using laws which violates human rights conveniently against these people and going against the notion that a person is innocent until proven guilty.

SUARAM calls for the repeal of the Internal Security Act 1960 and all other laws which provide for detention without trial and call for the release of all detainees held under the ISA or charge them in court.

Released by :
S. Arutchelvan
Coordinator