Internal Security Act detainee Tian Chua has expressed the hope that after meeting Pope John Paul II, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad will return to the country with renewed enlightenment and a greater vision for human rights.

"I call upon all Malaysians to pray that his journey to the Vatican will open up Mahathir's heart and that the willingness to exchange international goodwill with the Pope be reflected by an end to political repression at home," Chua said in a letter released through his lawyer yesterday.

Mahathir's visit to the Vatican is of significance since the Pontiff is "the Rock that symbolises humanity's hope for peace, justice and dignity", he said.

Mahathir met the pontiff in the Vatican City on Friday and had exchanged views on the violence and terrorism in the Middle-East. Mahathir also met with the Vaticans Secretary of State, Cardinal Sodano during which they both spoke at length on the issue.

Chua also urged Catholics around the world to extend their support and sympathy to the struggle for justice in Malaysia. A Keadilan vice-president, he is currently serving a two-year sentence under the ISA with five other reformasi leaders after being accused of plotting to overthrow the government by militant means. No proof was ever produced of their alleged involvement though.

The five are Keadilan leaders Saari Sungib, Lokman Nor Adam, Dr Badrulamin Bahron and Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, as well as malaysiakini columnist-cum-film maker Hishammudin Rais.

Moderate voice

"Mahathir claims to be the moderate voice of Islam. Yet, his domestic policies on civil liberty, religious freedom and democracy are hardly in harmony with the notion of justice," Chua said.

"Regrettably, Mahathir's 21-year rule is characterised by a steady erosion of human rights. He has utilised a plethora of authoritarian measures to silence political opponents and civil society, to maintain firm control over political power," he added.

The reformasi activist said since the Sept 11 attacks in the US, the Malaysian government had created new excuses to arrest people under the label of "Islamic militants".

"The aribitrary arrests, the dehumanising process of interrogation, coupled with the harsh prospect of indefinite periods of imprisonment, have espoused tremendous fear and terror among Malaysians," said Chua who has been detained since April last year.