As a government officer dealing with youth organisations and the public at large, I feel it is necessary for me to protest the ISA detentions.

Many people are angered by the arrests. Those not keen on street demonstrations and are not inclined towards Keadilan or its candidates in the coming Sarawak elections are now changing their minds.

There is a groundswell in Kuching and Sibu among Chinese youth against (Sarawak Chief Minister) Abdul Taib Mahmud for his warnings in the media about what he termed Lunas-like rough and violent politicking in the coming elections. The reference towards Keadilan is crystal clear. And among those arrested are the most active Keadilan leaders campaigning in Sarawak for the past four to six months.

Contrary to what is to be expected, many people are more determined to change the present government. The fear syndrome no longer rules on the informed generation. They know their rights, and even if they appear docile now, the e-mails and Internet exchanges are keeping the spirits alive.

Unless the government allows some positive roles being given to Suhakam, the Sarawak Barisan is certainly heading towards chaos.