The law that allows preventive detention under which even minors could be picked up and brought on a ‘remand roadshow' before being pinned under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 could be open to abuse.

One such example is that three teenagers who were detained on Dec 21 last year for being public nuisance and in possession of a stolen vehicle who are still languishing in the Semenyih police station lock-up.

Their families are allowed to visit the teenagers only once a fortnight.

gmi indonesian embassy memo isa detainees 180108 e nalini Suaram coordinator E Nalini said according to their families the teenagers are afraid to talk to them and had not uttered a single word since their incarceration.

Human rights lawyer, Charles Hector said," It is unlawful to use the Emergency Ordinance against anyone, regardless of their age.

"Possession of a stolen vehicle and being a public nuisance are just minor offences, so I believe the teenagers should be given a fair trial and the right to defend themselves," he added

Asked if it is within the law to place them in police lock-ups, he said they should be in a special facility, away from adult criminals.

When contacted, Kajang OCPD Sakaruddin Che Mood declined to comment, saying the case had been transferred to Bukit Aman Police Headquarters.

Attempts to contact Bukit Aman for a response proved fruitless with the calls being diverted from one department to another.

Women, Family and Community Development Minister Shahrizat Abdul Jalil, who could intervene in the matter, could not be contacted as well.

Suhakam commissioner, N Siva Subramaniam said they had written an appeal letter to the Home Ministry's secretary-general and they would keep close track of the case.

"The teenagers should not be deprived their right to defend themselves, even if involved in car theft or caused public nuisance, they should be charged in court," he added