A group of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which planned to hand over a memorandum to MPs on the abolishment of the Internal Security Act (ISA) today was denied entry to Parliament.

The group, consisting of 71 NGOs and opposition parties led by human rights group Suaram, was stopped at the gate by police officers who said they have been ordered not to let anyone in.

A commotion occurred when Suaram's S Arulcheltvam (photo, third left) and Kua Kia Soong (far left), Parti Sosialis Malaysia president (pro-tem) Nasir Mohammad and PRM executive committee member R Sivarasa (photo, second left) started arguing with the police.

"This is a public place. We want to see our MPs. We have passes and a letter of invitation," Arul challenged, showing an officer the invitation letter from PAS opposition leader Fadzil Noor.

"Please tell us who you received your orders from," he queried.

A police officer, identified only as SAC Shankar, said he had received the order from the Kuala Lumpur Chief Police Officer and implored them to "please understand, I am just doing my duty".

Meanwhile, a group of 80 people gathered about 50m down the road and started shouting "Abolish ISA" and "Reformasi", displaying several banners with similar messages.

About 30 FRU personnel, armed with rotan sticks, have been keeping an eye on them since 9.30am.

Opposition MPs led by Kerk Kim Hock (DAP), Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail (Keadilan) and Fadzil gathered at the gate about half an hour later, but were not allowed to meet the group, as the gate was locked and guarded by a police officer.

At about 1pm, the policemen allowed the MPs to meet the group, who greeted the MPs with a rousing welcome and shouted "Hidup BA" (Long Live Barisan Alternatif).

Kua then handed over the memorandum to Fadzil, who complimented the group for being courageous in their cause, while Kerk reiterated DAP's support for the group's call to abolish the ISA.

"We are proud of what you are doing and want to tell you that we are going to fight this colonial law together," said Wan Azizah.

"We will fight this together as loyal citizens of this country," she added.

'BN will let you in'

The memorandum was the group's latest effort to pressure MPs to repeal the ISA and other laws which provide for detention without trial.

They also called for all detainees held under the ISA to be charged in open court.

The group also wanted an independent inquiry on those who have been tortured and abused, and their families compensated accordingly.

Later, the group was met at the gate by Jamaluddin Jajis (MP for Rompin) (photo, far right), chairman of the Backbencher's Club, who received the memorandum from Kua (photo, left) on behalf of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, who was not present in today's session.

Jamaluddin refused to comment beyond inviting the group to the lobby, though he added in jest, "BN (Barisan Nasional) will let you in but PAS won't."

Meanwhile, Napsiah Omar (BN - Kuala Pilah) said she will look at the memorandum first before making any comments.

Ong Tee Keat (BN - Ampang Jaya), who is also MCA Youth Chief, said he was in no position to comment about the memorandum at this juncture and will give his opinion at a later date.

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