ID :
20409
Sun, 09/21/2008 - 11:49
Auther :
Shortlink :
http://m.oananews.org//node/20409
The shortlink copeid
MALAYSIAN BAR CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE OF ALL ISA DETAINEES
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 20 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Bar Saturday 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 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.
Saturday'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 where some of their loved ones had been away 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time that the Malaysian Bar called for the ISA to be repealed and added the law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.
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 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.
Saturday'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 where some of their loved ones had been away 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.
