Another arrest has been made under the Internal Security Act (ISA), the ninth this year under the draconian law that provides for indefite detention without trial.

Police told AFP that Abdul Haris Syhuhadi, 63, was arrested on Sunday evening at his house in Klang, Selangor, for allegedly being involved in terrorist activities.

The Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) said in a statement the group also was informed of the arrest by family members.

“Abdul Haris was arrested at his house at Kampung Batu Belah, Klang. We were told that he is a petty trader who has been selling scarves, clothes and jubah . We are very concerned about his condition and safety,” said E Nalini of GMI.

 

She urged the government to allow lawyers and family members to visit him immediately, adding that the use of the ISA on Abdul Haris went against human rights, justice and was an abuse of power.

 

“GMI values that the security of the country is of utmost importance but one’s entitlement to a fair trial should not be deprived on any grounds...

"We urge the government to charge the detainee in an open court; otherwise, he should be released without any delay and unconditionally,” Nalini said

Early last month, Singapore businessman Abdul Majid Kunji Mohamad was detained under the ISA for alleged links to a militant group in the southern Philippines.

The 60-year-old businessman, who was residing in Kuala Lumpur, had a radical understanding of Islam but did not belong to any militant group, said a Singapore-based report.

The government also detained two Filipinos and a Malaysian under the act in May for smuggling Filipinos into Sabah.

 

Activists have long criticised the use of the act, which dates back to British colonial times, saying that suspects should be charged in court rather than detained without trial.