Malaysia

ISA Dragnet Widens

Three more Malaysians are added to Internal Security Act roll for indefinite detention without trial by Umno dominated BN government in its quest to stifle individual right, human right and press freedom in the country .

1) Malaysia-Today blogger and editor: Raja Petra Kamarudin

Statement released by him on 8^th. Sept., 2008.

".... Today, I received many phone calls from concerned friends who told me that the government is considering detaining me under the Internal Security Act ‘very soon’.

If that does happen, then this could probably be the last article I write, at least until 16 September 2008. So I too need Anwar to succeed. If not I will be in Kamunting (detention center) for quite some time to come and you will not hear from me over the next couple of years.

Till we meet again, if we do meet again, take care and keep the flame burning. There is still a long fight ahead of us in bringing reforms to this beloved country of ours.
- R P K.

2) Sin Chew Daily News reporter Tan Hoon Cheng, who is Mass Communications graduate from University Sains Malaysia, has been a journalist for nine years.

She is detained for just doing her job in reporting seditious statements uttered by an umnoputra racist remark toward Chinese Malaysians as “squatter” in the country with the aim of inciting racial hatred in gaining Malay electorate votes while campaigning in the Permatang Pauh by- election.

3) An elected people representative – Teresa Kok, who is a Democratic Action Party's member of parliament for Seputeh and also a state assembly woman.

Group of brave Malaysians risking of being arrested staged a peaceful candle light vigil in front of police station in solidarity with the ISA detainees.

”Peaceful expression of political opinions is a fundamental right and critical to a democracy, democratic government should provide due process and treatment consistent with domestic law and international standards,”

Freedom of the press and freedom of speech are rights fundamental to a vibrant democracy. Democratic countries that purport to advocate free expression of political views should not curtail such freedom.