We are outraged over the government's rcenet and insistent usage of the ISA to supress opposition and debate. The ISA, which provides for indefinite detention without trial, is a draconian law that severely infringes the fundamental liberties of a citizen in a democratic country. Our government should not feel intimidated by the expressions of their citizens of their opinions nd concerns. Likewise, there should be no corressponding fear of intimidation by the citizens of Malaysia to articulate these expressions. Instead, the ISA threatens the primary rights of freedom of expression and freedom from fear of the people and should be abolished.

Second, if indeed the thirteen who have been detained have committed any offence, they should be charged and tried in an open court in accordance with the Rule of Law. Under the Rule of Law, everyone has the basic right to a fair and public hearing by an independent and impartial court, in the determination of his/her rights and obligations and of any charges against him/her. Everyone charged with an offence also has the basic right to be presumed innocent until proven guilty. The ISA is an outright violation of these rights.

We strongly urge the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia to intervene in this matter and play its proper role to promote and protect the Rule of Law and respect for human rights in this country. We also call upon the Minister of Home Affairs to account for these spate of arrests and to immediately charge and trial these detainees in an open court.