Dont misuse ISA, says former Operasi Lalang detainee
An education activist today likened the government's threat to use the Internal Security Act (ISA) on groups that object to the teaching of Science and Mathematics in English as another convenient way of silencing dissent.
"The threat to use the ISA is further proof that the law is being abused. It has become a convenient tool against people with different views and dissenting opinions," New Era college director Dr Kua Kia Soong told malaysiakini today.
"As long as the ISA exists as a statute it would continue to be used as a convenient tool to arrest people," he said.
Kua said it was "unacceptable" for the government to use the act on people just for objecting to unpopular moves in education.
He does not rule out the possibility that the government may apply the law to educationists again, just as it did in October 1987.
Detention without trial
Kua was among 107 people detained in the infamous Operation Lalang for protesting the government's plan to appoint 100 senior assistants and principals who were not Chinese (Mandarin)-educated to vernacular Chinese schools.
Others include the late Dong Jiao Zhong (Chinese Education Associations) chairperson Lim Fong Seng, activists, politicians and religious leaders. It was the most widespread detention since the May 13 racial riots in 1969.
Kua was commenting on a statement yesterday by Deputy Home Minister Zainal Abidin Zin that the government would not hesitate to use the ISA against 'extremists' who continued to stoke racial sentiments to oppose the proposed use of English to teach Science and Mathematics next year.
Last Saturday, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad warned educationists that they were playing with fire and that the government would act against people who fan racial sentiments.
Kua called on the government to appreciate instead, the contributions of Chinese educationists to the country.
Dong Jiao Zong set up New Era College as an extension of the Malaysian Independent Chinese Chinese Secondary School, with private funds for the Chinese community. The group has also been one of the most vocal opponents of the 'Vision school' concept.
For more news and views that matter, subscribe and support independent media for only RM0.36 sen a day:
Subscribe now