I read with consternation concerning the ISA arrests of several people in malaysiakini yesterday, who were apparently scheduled to present a memorandum to Suhakam this Saturday, April 14.

Their intention to do this was made public several weeks ago via the press, including malaysiakini .

It has come to this. The authorities, namely police and the Home Affairs Ministry have scant regard for the office and mandate of the Human Rights Commission.

Those arrested had wanted to present a memorandum to Suhakam. Are we to believe that Suhakam will be used by the state in exposing would-be complainants to arrest, detention and harassment should they seek to lodge complaints of human rights abuses?

What calamity! If this is the case, then the scam has certainly been exposed by the ISA arrests. What modicum of respect and belief can we now be expected to have of the Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister now?

I suggest that civil society groups immediately mount a state-wide protest by writing letters to their members of parliament and state representatives protesting the arrests. Letters along the same lines should also go to Suhakam and the Human Rights Commission of the United Nations.

All letters should be copied to the Prime Minister, the Home Affairs Minister, the Inspector-General of Police and the Attorney-General's Chambers.