http://www.niknazmi.com/wordpress/?p=1216
04 Apr 2009
Yesterday’s announcement by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak that 13 ISA detainees would be released, the ISA would be reviewed and that the suspension on Suara Keadilan and Harakah would be lifted is a welcoming turn of events.
Clearly, the government decided to act following the consistent demands of the rakyat. This is another victory for ‘Makkal Sakti’ – people’s power.
But I would like ask a few questions:
1. What has changed that the 13 ISA detainees are deemed fit to be released today?
2. What distinguishes these individuals from the other ISA detainees?
Has the government concluded that the charges they made against these individuals are baseless? Or, are they no longer threats to national security? Or is this merely an election ploy?
Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohammad too started his premiership with the release of ISA detainees – in fact he dared to release 22 ISA detainees. Mahathir began with the slogan ‘Bersih, Cekap, Amanah’ and impressed many with a breath of fresh air.
But by 1987, Mahathir began with the biggest crackdown, Operasi Lalang where 106 people were detained. In the next year, he moved against the judiciary in a measure that has effects to the institution to this day.
Najib can distinguish himself only if he has the courage to repeal the ISA. Release all ISA detainees and charge them in court should they be a threat to national security. He should enact an anti-terrorism legislation as I have suggested previously but it must conform to the guarantees enshrined in the Federal Constitution including the right to trial and presumption of innocence.
Does Najib dare to do that?