KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's opposition on Wednesday sought international help to push for the release of a politician and others held without trial under the country's internal security law.
Teresa Kok, from the Democratic Action Party (DAP), a member of the opposition alliance, was arrested last week along with Malaysia's top blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin and detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA).
A journalist for a Chinese-language newspaper was also arrested after reporting on racist comments made by a ruling party member, but was released after an uproar including from within the government.
"We will seek international and regional support from parliamentarians for the immediate release of Teresa Kok and all other ISA detainees, and for the repeal of the Internal Security Act," said DAP member Lim Kit Siang.
He said the newly-formed "Free Teresa and Abolish ISA Caucus" of opposition lawmakers would contact Commonwealth and Southeast Asian parliamentary bodies to ask for their support in pressuring the government.
Zaid Ibrahim, a cabinet minister in charge of legal affairs who resigned on Monday over the crackdown, was also present at the launch in parliament on Wednesday.
"I'm here because I am very concerned about the use of the ISA," he told reporters.
"It should not be used against journalists and politicians. Teresa has to be released, Raja Petra has to be released and all other detainees," he added.
Kok has denied allegations that she was involved in a petition to silence the call to prayer in mosques located in non-Muslim areas.
Raja Petra, founder of the controversial Malaysia Today website, has already been charged with sedition and defamation after linking Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak and his wife to a sensational murder.
Rights groups say about 63 people, mainly alleged Islamic militants, are thought to be held under the ISA, which dates back to the British colonial era, when it was used against communist insurgents.
The legislation provides for two-year periods of detention that can be renewed indefinitely. However, critics say it has been improperly used by the government to silence its critics.
AFP/de
Channel NewsAsia
18/09/08
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