PMs visit to Bangkok marred by human rights protesters

comments     Leong Kar Yen     Published     Updated

Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad's visit to Thailand to discuss several bilateral issues was marred by human rights protesters in Bangkok who demanded for the repeal of the controversial Internal Security Act, which allows detention without trial.

According to English language daily Bangkok Post , about 60 people showed up at the doorsteps of the Royal Meridien Hotel in Bangkok on Saturday morning seeking to hand over to Mahathir a letter protesting, among others, the use of the Internal Security Act.

The letter called for the release of six reformasi and Keadilan activists who were detained under the ISA in April 2001 for alleged involvement in a militant attempt to overthrow the government.

The letter also called on Mahathir to allow deposed former deputy Anwar Ibrahim to travel to Germany for medical treatment on his serious back condition. Anwar is currently serving a 15-year jail sentence at the Sungai Buloh prison for sodomy and corruption.

Human rights group Suaram in a press statement today stated that the protesters comprising workers, began the march from Bangkok's World Trade Centre shouting "Abolish the ISA".

They also carried placards that read "Welcome Mahathir, Abolish the ISA", "Free political detainees" and "Allow medical treatment for Anwar Ibrahim".

Police blockage

Suaram's statement said that the workers shouted for Mahathir to come out and receive the letter.

"After 15 minutes, Ng Boon Hong, the counsellor of the Malaysian embassy, came out to receive the letter.

"The representative handed in a letter and expressed their concern for the ISA detainees. The demonstration was ended by the singing of a series of solidarity songs," the statement read.

Mahathir returned to Malaysia last night after a two-day official visit.

The shadow of the ISA and Anwar also followed Mahathir to Cambridge University in October 2000 when student activists gathered outside the venue where he was to deliver a speech at a conference entitled "Malaysia in the New Millennium".



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