His movements confined inside the walls of the Kamunting Detention Centre in Perak for 477 days now, at least Hishamuddin Rais' thoughts will soon be free in a book to be launched at a public forum in conjunction with the 42nd anniversary of the Internal Security Act tomorrow.

The newly released book, Pilihanraya atau pilihan jalanraya , is a compilation of the activist-cum-filmmaker's writings published in his weekly column "Dotmai" in malaysiakini prior to his arrest and subsequent detention.

The thoughts of the famous student rebel of the 1970s, on human rights, racism and the struggles of the Malay community, show up prominently in the book.

The articles also reflect upon his experiences living abroad as an exile for 20 years, which included stops in Australia, Lebanon, and finally the United Kingdom where he attended classes in film-making.

Hishamuddin graduated from the prestigious Malay College Kuala Kangsar and went on to study history in Universiti Malaya.

Seldom seen without a beret atop his locks, the 51-year-old has a Diploma in French from the Catholic University Leuven La Neuve, basic art from Brixton College, London and a BA (Hons) in film, video and photography from Westminster University, London.

His first film, Dari Jemapoh ke Manchestee , was finally released in local cinemas a year ago, also during his incarceration under the ISA.

Another book

The book launch and public forum entitled "42 Years of Torture" will be held at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur from 8.30pm to 11pm.

Also to be launched is Bumi Dipijak , a book by malaysiakini columnist and former ISA detainee Lee Ban Chen.

Veteran journalist MGG Pillai will launch Hishamuddin's book while former ISA detainee Dr Rajkumar will do the honours for Lee.

Among those expected at the launch are Hishamuddin's father Mohd Rais Abdul Manaf, Aliza Jaafar (wife of detainee Saari Sungib) and former detainees Koh Swe Yong, Lim Guan Eng and Malek Hussein.

Organised by human rights organisation Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) and the Abolish ISA Movement (AIM), the forum will be facilitated by former DAP member of parliament for Kampar, Fan Yew Teng.