Family members of six reformasi activists held under the Internal Security Act would be monitoring the situation at the Kamunting Detention Centre in Taiping beginning Wednesday when the detainees are scheduled to begin their hunger strike.

According to Arliza Jaafar, wife of ISA detainee Saari Sungib, a group of observers from the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) and family members would stationed themselves outside the centre compound until Sunday.

Wednesday marks the first anniversary of the arrest of Saari, Keadilan leaders Tian Chua, Mohamed Ezam Mohd Nor, Dr Badrul Amin Bahron, Lokman Nor Adam and malaysiakini columnist-cum-film maker Hishammudin Rais under the ISA for their alleged involvement in a militant attempt to overthrow the government.

The six announced two weeks ago their intention to go on a hunger strike starting April 10 to highlight their demand to either be released or charged in court for their alleged 'crimes'.

Warnings

Prison authorities have warned the group against the hunger strike and threatened to withdraw privileges such as family visits.

Arliza said she planned to visit her husband on Sunday despite the warning.

"If they refuse us entry, we would be going to the press for more publicity on this issue," she told malaysiakini .

GMI activist S Arutchelvam told malaysiakini that a memorandum would also be sent to the headquarters of the Malaysian Human Rights Commission, or Suhakam, on Wednesday.

"This is in conjunction with the hunger strike proposed by the six. We are also going to have volunteers who will also go on a hunger strike on that day," he said.

Meanwhile PAS, PRM and Keadilan Youth leaders in a joint statement today called for the ISA detainees to be released or charged in court as the government has yet to provide any solid proof of their allegations since the arrests were made a year ago.

"The government should try them in court in order to avoid endangering their health. In addition, this hunger strike would leave negative impressions at the international level," the statement read.

The joint statement was signed by PAS Youth chief Mahfuz Omar, PRM Youth chief Faizal Sanusi and Keadilan's deputy Youth chief Saifuddin Nasution, whose leader Ezam is one of those detained in Kamunting.