The arrest of student, Khairul Anuar under the Internal Security Act (ISA) marks the further bankruptcy of this government. Khairul's arrest is the first since 1974 when a crackdown on student activists was ordered.

To use the ISA against a young person shows the desperation of this government that dares not face the scrutiny of the courts and its people. What a cowardly and dastardly act!

Even if some may argue that the Barisan Nasional is a properly elected government, it must have surely lost its mandate by the continued use of the ISA and its equally reprehensible laws such as the Universities and University Colleges Act. Power is a trust. Abuse of power negates that trust.

We must not forget that despite its narrowed win in 1999, this government knows that it is losing support on a daily basis. Its use of draconian laws against its own people is a weak attempt on its part to maintain control and power.

Those who have fallen victims under this government's laws have not fallen in vain. If any, this will surely encourage greater efforts in bringing about just rule and peace in the country and that would not be with BN rule. The people will triumph over evil.