Vigil in Kamunting: An endless struggle to bring injustice to an end
Contributed by Fadiah Nadwa Binti Fikri
Monday, 09 June 2008 09:22pm
Drizzling rain coincided with the spirit of justice as concerned Malaysians
gathered in Kamunting on 7 June 2008 for a candlelight vigil against the
draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
The candlelight vigil which was organized by GMI (Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA)
symbolized the struggle with the darkness brought by the inhumane ISA and the
undying struggle to bring this flagrant injustice to an end.
All participants gathered at Masjid Jame’ at 7.50 pm before marching 1 km to the
Kamunting Detention Camp. It was overwhelmingly heart warming to note that this
noble cause transcended racial and religious boundaries as all peace loving
Malaysians were united on that night for one cause, that is justice for our
fellow Malaysians. All participants waited patiently at the mosque’s compound
while waiting for their Muslim friends to finish their Maghrib prayers before
proceeding with the walk to the Kamunting Detention Camp.
At 8 pm, the participants started marching with candles in their hands towards
the Kamunting Detention Camp under close supervision of the PAS Unit Amal which
was assigned to monitor the traffic and safety of all participants. Upon
approaching the Detention Camp, the presence of Federal Reserve Unit Police
Personnel was noted in front of the main entrance.
The Chairman of GMI, Mr, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, announced that the Police gave
15 minutes for the respective representatives of GMI to make their speeches. Mr
Syed Ibrahim in his speech thanked the participants for having the courage to
participate in the candlelight vigil and manifest their strong resistance to the
unjust law of ISA. He also thanked the Selangor State Government for providing
transportation for the ISA families and the Perak State Government for
supporting the vigil. He also pointed out that all participants had proven to
the Government that they were capable of holding a peaceful assembly in the
exercise of their right to Freedom of Assembly as enshrined in the Federal
Constitution.
Puan Norlaila Othman, the Director of the ‘Free ISA detainees which have been
detained for more than six years’ campaign also thanked the participants for
their relentless support and tireless effort to fight for this cause.
The peaceful vigil also noted the attendance of assemblymen Chang Lih Kang, Dr.
Khalil Idham Lim Abdullah, Mohd Anuar Sidin, Yee Seu Kai, Abdul Yunus Jamhari,
Sungai Siput parliamentarian Dr S. Jeyakumar and Perak senior executive
councillor Datuk Ngeh Koo Ham.
The Islamic Party of Malaysia (PAS) women's wing secretary Aiman Athirah,
Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) protem secretary general S. Arutchelvan, a
number of bloggers and activists were also among those who participated in the
vigil. The vigil ended peacefully at 9.30 pm.
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Drizzling rain coincided with the spirit of justice as concerned Malaysians
gathered in Kamunting on 7 June 2008 for a candlelight vigil against the
draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
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Good work by Fadiah and gang!
If the detainees have allegedly committed an office, charge them. Don't keep them in custody without a trial.
Richard Wee Thiam Seng