Gerakan Youth has declared its interest in taking part in a massive demonstration against the much-loathed Internal Security Act (ISA), planned to take place on Aug 1 in Kuala Lumpur.

To be organised by the Abolish the ISA Movement (or GMI by its Malay acronym), the rally is to demand the release of all ISA detainees and the closure of the Kamunting detention camp where they are being held.

NONE “Gerakan Youth is of the opinion that struggles of organisations such as GMI, should be considered seriously for the sake of justice and recognition of human rights principles enshrined in the federal constitution,” said Andy Yong, the legal, public complaints and social welfare bureau chief.

In a statement today, Yong said the decision to push for reform of the Act, particularly on the aspect of detention without trial, was made at Gerakan's national central committee meeting last week.

“The party is committed to the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental freedoms as enshrined in the constitution and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights 1948.

“Our decision was communicated to GMI chairperson Syed Ibrahim (Syed Noh) and he accepted our support graciously.”

GMI has chosen Aug 1 as it marks the 49th anniversary of the Act, which came into existence in 1960.

Kohilan wants explanation

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's department and Gerakan vice-president A Kohilan Pillay, said the Selangor government should come clean on allegations that an executive councillor is involved in dubious activities.

gerakan egm pc 270307 kohilan pillay “The state government (should) be transparent and explain to the public the allegations that a state executive councillor had allowed his office in the state secretariat building to be used as a meeting room for criminals,” he said in a separate statement.

Kohilan was referring to claims by Wangsa Maju PKR MP Wee Choo Keong who had alleged that a certain exco member has been utilising his office as a meeting place for people connected with ‘underground business activities’.

Wee had stated in his blog that the practice is an ‘open secret’ in the state administrative office.

“This is most unhealthy as it will give the impression that the exco member is in support of the 'underground business activities' and the impropriety will eventually affect the image of the Pakatan government,” Wee had said yesterday.

azmin ali pc in parliament 020709 02 Wee has also backed Gombak MP and Bukit Antarabangsa assemblyperson Azmin Ali's (left) call for a reshuffle of the state exco.

Kohilan said that, if there is evidence to back the allegation, the executive councillor should resign.

“The people have a right to know the type of action being taken to address the problem,” he said.

“Even the attorney-general wants the police to look into the matter as the allegations are serious to warrant immediate and special attention.”