©The Star
(Used by permission)
by ONG PEK MEI, P. ARUNA and RASHITHA A . HAMID
KUALA LUMPUR: Sg Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar and five others, detained under the Emergency Ordinance, have been freed.
The six PSM leaders, detained since July 2, were released at 5.30pm yesterday after 28 days in detention.
Besides Dr Jeyakumar, the others are PSM deputy president M. Sarasvathy, Sungai Siput branch secretary A.P. Letchumanan, branch president M. Sukumaran, Bayan Baru branch president Choo Chon Kai and Youth chief R. Saratbabu.
They were detained over their alleged involvement in foreign–aided and subversive activities against the nation.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak welcomed the release of the six.
“The decision by the police (to release them) is based on their judgment and goodwill,” he told reporters after chairing the Umno supreme council meeting yesterday.
“We welcome the decision. It will be up to the Attorney–General to decide if there will be any follow–up.”
Meanwhile, the Home Ministry will respond soon to allegations that the six were detained illegally and mistreated.
“It is my responsibility to ensure that public order is maintained,” said minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein.
“We make decisions based on the truth. If we were unfair, we would not have detained one of our Immigration Department officers,” he said yesterday.
Hishammuddin said he would visit the officer, who was detained under the Internal Security Act for providing false documents to facilitate human trafficking.
On reports that Dr Jeyakumar's health had deteriorated while under detention, Hishammuddin said those in charge would have ensured that Dr Jeyakumar was well taken care of.
The six were detained at the Sungai Dua toll plaza on the North–South Expressway while travelling in a bus from Kedah to Penang on June 25.
They were re–arrested on July 2 in Seberang Prai Utara after their week–long remand order ended.
MIC president Datuk G. Palanivel thanked Najib and Hishammuddin for taking prompt action.
“It's a good move and augurs well for strengthening democracy,” he said.