©Bernama
(Used by permission)
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 — The Malaysian Bar today urged the government to
immediately and unconditionally release all detainees held under the Internal
Security Act (ISA).
At its extraordinary general meeting (EGM) attended by 739 members, the
Malaysian Bar adopted a resolution which called for the release of more than 60
ISA detainees, as well as the more than 2,000 detainees who were being detained
under various preventive laws either to be set free or to be charged in court.
"There are many laws to deal with these detainees and if the authorities have
evidence against them, charge in the open court to allow them to defend
themselves," said its president Datuk Ambiga Sreenevasan.
She said the Bar strongly urged the government to immediately repeal the ISA and
the Emergency Ordinance 1969 and Dangerous Drugs Act 1985.
Ambiga told reporters that the EGM also unanimously decided to call on the
government to uphold its pledges to the United Nations Human Rights Council to
promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms and promote a free
media.
Today's meeting at Wisma MCA here, also condemned the three show–cause letters
to Sin Chew Daily, The Sun and Suara Keadilan and urged the
government withdraw the letters immediately.
"Most of the members are deeply concerned about the (poor) treatment given to
the ISA detainees who are living in poor condition, (given) unhealthy food and
less contact with the outside world," said Ambiga.
Former president Sulaiman Abdullah said the government should take into
consideration the challenges and trauma faced by family members of these
detainees some of whom have been locked up for more than six years.
"It's about time the government repeals ISA since it can be abused against those
opposing the government," he said.
Another ex–president, Kuthubul Zaman Bukhari said this was not the first time
that the Malaysian Bar called for the ISA to be repealed and added the law was
no longer relevant to the present society.
Asked what would be the Bar's next course of action if there was no favourable
response from the government on repealing ISA, Ambiga said pressure would be
stepped up further on the government via elected legislators and support of
other organisations. — Bernama
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Bar Council: Free all ISA detainees
21 Sep 2008 12:00 am