Abolish ISA press statement - Penang ISA Forum 19/04/08


135-3 Jalan Toman 7,
Kemayan Square,
70200 Seremban.

19th April 18, 2008

STATEMENT FOR THE PRESS

The main objective of this Abolish I.S.A forum is to send a strong message to the ruling government that this draconian law infringes on the basic human rights of an individual.

The forum is mainly to raise public awareness of an outdated law which has been used again and again to stifle political dissidents. HINDRAF slams the abuse of an individual’s right to free speech.

Internal Security Act (I.S.A) enacted in 1960, allows illogical arrest without trial for a vague period. Detainees can be held for up to 60 days in secret locations, often in a windowless cell where they never know day and night and most of the time risk of torture, abuse and other ill-treatment. HINDRAF strongly demands the ruling government to abolish the law which has never respected fundamental Human Right.

HINDRAF has the same view with the various local and international organizations which have recognized that the I.S.A allows violence, torture, humiliation and indefinite detention without trial. Today HINDRAF strongly demand as citizen of Malaysia to release all I.S.A detainees, Abolish draconian I.S.A and close down the Kamunting Detention Camp.

Latest victim of the abusive draconian I.S.A is Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) lawyer and ISA detainee P. Uthayakumar, he was not given proper diabetes medication and food, as a result, his health began to deteriorate. Even though his diabetic medicine was delivered to the camp officers by his family, it was not delivered to him. Uthayakumar was deliberately chained to the bed like a common criminal. Premature discharged ( after 2 days) despite of his high sugar level. This act is a misuse of power and an insult to Malaysians citizen. HINDRAF strongly condemns this act.

Again, HINDRAF calls on the Malaysian government:
Immediately release all I.S.A detainees!
Abolish I.S.A !
Close down the Kamunting Detention Camp !

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