Police permit or no police permit, the anti-ISA movement Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI or abolish the ISA movement) is determined to hold open protests against that law on Aug 1 at various locations in Kuala Lumpur.

ijok election phantom voters 280407 syed ibrahim syed noh GMI president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (l eft) said that GMI will not back down even if the police refused to issue a permit.

"This is not done on the spur of the moment. We have notified the police way in advance.

"Application for a permit is merely to notify the police and get them to co-operate with us. Despite numerous rejections, we have never been downhearted and neither will we give up for we are protected under the Federal Constitution.

"We will adhere by the rules and regulations. It will be a peaceful gathering, unless there are provocations," he said.

He spoke to reporters after notifying the palace today that a public declaration to abolish ISA will be conveyed to the King on the day of the protest at 3pm.

Accompanying him were Federal Territory PAS Youth chief Kamaruzaman Mohamed and four other members.

The ultimate desperate call

When asked if the presence of the pro-ISA group at the same place and time might create a disturbance, Syed Ibrahim merely brushed it aside saying that although the group's motive is "questionable", GMI would outnumber them.

He also submitted a memorandum to abolish ISA to palace official, Mohd Khairi Abdul Rahman, at 11.50am.

The memorandum is described as the "ultimate desperate call" to repeal the repressive piece of legislation after submitting recommendations and reports countless times to the government in the past without avail .

The declaration seeks to repeal the ISA, release those held under the ISA and close down Kamunting.

He said that more than 83 non-governmental organisation, political parties, student bodies, women's organisation and human rights movement will attend the gathering.

He also confirmed that Pakatan Rakyat and PAS leaders including Anwar Ibrahim, Hadi Awang, Nik Aziz Nik Mat and Lim Kit Siang will be present on Aug 1, along with members of non-governmental organisations, teachers and university students.

Syed Ibrahim said that both current and former detainees have repeatedly claimed being subjected to physical violence and abuse under the ISA.

The demonstrations are expected to take place in the vicinity of Sogo Shopping complex, the Masjid Jamek LRT station and the National Mosque.