It is not too late for the new home minister to right the previous government’s wrongs by releasing all remaining Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees who are still languishing in detention despite the Act has been repealed.

NGOs Suaram and Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) said 15 detainees remain at the Kamunting detention camp - eight Malaysians, three each from Sri Lanka and the Philippines, and one from Indonesia

Suaram coordinator Syukri Razab “The Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) was enforced when the government had yet to correct all the mistakes throughout the duration the ISA was used.

“In Tawau, Sabah, there are six wives who are still separated from their husbands and 20 small children separated from their fathers,” GMI secretariat member Syukri Razab ( right ) said in a statement.

Worse, said Syukri, who is also Suaram coordinator, said there has been no explanation as to why the detainees continue to be held, although the Act itself has been abolished.

He said the last ISA detainees, from Tawau, will only be released after exactly two years of detention, which is on January of next year.

“Although there is less then seven months of detention left, Suaram and GMI are still consistent in pushing for early release of all ISA detainees.

“Suaram and GMI urge the new Home Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi to release all ISA detainees.

“The new home minister should not persist with old failures, as there is no such thing as ‘too late’ when it comes to correcting past wrongs”.

'Form reconciliation commission'

NONE Syukri said this is unlike former minister Hishammuddin Hussein ( left ), who, despite receiving numerous claims and despite many protests by the people, was “never earnest” when it came to correcting the wrongs of the ISA.

As such, he said the government must form a reconciliation commission to investigate all cases of wrongdoing pertaining to the use of the ISA, bring those responsible to justice, and adequately compensate those who have been affected.

Syukri added to push their cause, GMI will be bringing five wives’ of detainees to the Kamunting detention centre on June 15 and 16.

With them will be two young children who have yet to see their fathers as they were only born after the former were taken away.