This is an open appeal to Norian Mai, Inspector-General of Police. As a citizen of Malaysia, I am very concerned with the detention of the seven opposition leaders and social activists under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in recent days. It is even more frightening when you said during a press conference that more arrests are imminent.

It is certainly within the laws of this country that these arrests are made, but I need to ask you: Are these detention fair, just and moral? More importantly, are they really necessary?

If these people have committed a crime, I am sure there are enough laws in our country to charge them in an open court and allow them to defend themselves.

Natural justice proclaims that everyone is innocent until proven guilty - no exception!

As a concerned Malaysian and a firm believer of human rights, natural justice and the rule of law, I implore you to:

1) Immediately release the detainees without condition;

2) Charge them in an open and fair court if those detained have violated any laws;

3) Ensure their safety and well-being while under detention;

4) Allow family members, legal and medical professionals immediate access to those detained.

We have come a long way since the conception of the ISA, and in a civilised country like our Malaysia, I don't believe there is a place for such an archaic and draconian piece of legislation.

In our march towards being a developed nation, targeted at 2020, I strongly appeal to you to stop the use of the ISA under any circumstances, and call for the government to repeal the ISA immediately.