BY IGGY KIM
Four out of six high-profile political prisoners, held under Malaysia's draconian Internal Security Act, were released on June 1 after the government decided not to renew their ISA detention orders. The other two are awaiting the expiration of their two-year detention orders on June 12. Senior government officials have told the media they will not seek a renewal.
Izham Mohamed Noor, Hishamuddin Rais, Tian Chua, Lokman Noor Adam, Dr Badrulamin Bahrom and Saari Sungib were detained in April 2001 after involvement in a large demonstration to commemorate the second anniversary of the conviction of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim. They were accused of trying to violently overthrow the government, using "grenades" and "bombs". With the exception of Rais, all are leaders of the broad democratic opposition front, Keadilan (National Justice Party). Under the ISA, the six were held incommunicado for 60 days and suffered harsh prison conditions.
Saari Sungib was freed on June 1. Tian Chua and Hishamuddin Rais were transferred from the notorious Kamunting Detention Camp to Taiping Prison to await bail for court cases on related charges. Izham Mohamed Noor has to serve out time for an offence under the Official Secrets Act.
The detention orders for Lokman Noor Adam and Dr Badrulamin Bahrom are due to expire on June 12. Supporters aim to ensure the orders are not renewed.
Malaysian human rights activists and their supporters around the world will continue campaigning for the immediate release of Izham Mohamed Noor and for the remaining charges against Tian Chua and Hishamuddin Rais to be dropped. More importantly, they will continue fighting for the release of some 80 political prisoners still detained under the ISA and for the eventual repeal of the ISA.
To get in touch with the Australian representative of the Abolish ISA Movement, email Kate Lee at <kate@asu.org.au>. Visit the web site of human rights organisation Suara Rakyat Malaysia, <http://www.suaram.org>.
From Green Left Weekly, June 11, 2003.
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