I agree with Suhakam vice-chairperson Harun Hashim that the detention of individuals under ISA is a waste of time and public funds . I assume that his remarks were made with reference to political detainees. No one should be detained for his political leanings. If they are indeed a threat to the country, charge them.

It would have more impact for him to just ask for the unconditional release of political detainees.

But he shot himself in the foot when he mentioned that these detainees need to be rehabilitated. Rehabilitate? I thought the system only rehabilitates criminals to help them turn over a new leaf and be useful to society. Political detainees are not criminals.

As for Anuar Bashah Mohd Sohore, who thinks that detainees are happy to be under police custody, I have this to ask him.

How would anybody be happy in detention? Would you like to change places with any of the detainees for a while, just to experience what it is like to be deprived of your freedom?