The Abolish ISA Movement (AIM) submitted a memorandum and 10,000 postcards, inked in protest against the security law, to the Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi today.

They were received by the premier's private secretary Ahmad Yaacob ( photo ). Also present were the wives and families of several ISA detainees.

AIM is a coalition of 82 non-government organisations, political parties, trade union, media agency, student and women bodies.

In its 10-page memorandum, AIM called on the premier to order the unconditional release of five detainees whose detention orders expire on Sept 23.

These were PAS spiritual leader Nik Aziz Nik Mar's son Nik Adli, Alias Ngah, Mohd Lotfi Ariffin, Solehan Abdul Ghafar and Zainon Ismail.

The five were arrested in 2001 over their alleged involvement in the Kumpulan Militan Malaysia (KMM).

Upon the expiry of their detention orders in Sept 2003, another two-year extension was inked by Abdullah, who was also home minister then.

Deeply disappointed

The five filed a habeas corpus application against their second detention orders but this was dismissed by the Federal Court on July 25.

Habeas corpus is a writ ordering prisoners to be brought before a court of judge to ascertain if there are any procedural defects which could render their detention unlawful.

Meanwhile, AIM president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said he was disappointed that Abdullah himself was not there to receive the postcards.

"We would like to express our deepest disappointment for the treatment we received. This meeting is as though it is not a responsible meeting. The wives (of ISA detainees) came from far to seek for some discussion and to get some response but was attended by one of the private secretaries (of the prime minister), who will only relay the message to the prime minister through the head of private secretaries.

"We do not know how and when the matter will be delivered to the prime minister," he said.

Always hopeful

However, the private secretary said the premier was not available to meet the delegation.

Asked if AIM would continue to seek assistance from Abdullah, Syed Ibrahim said: "I am always hopeful."

"So far it looks as though it is impossible but from past experiences, when we do campaigns, lobbies and memorandum submitting, the effects are there. You can actually see reactions from the government and ministers," he added.

He also said that AIM will arrange for another appointment with Abdullah soon.

The postcards were distributed to the public during nationwide talks and roadshows held by AIM over the past two months.