The Federal Court's finding that the arrest and 60-day detention of the reformasi five under the Internal Security Act (ISA) was done in bad faith has positive implications on human rights issues in the country.

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) chairperson Abu Talib Othman feels that as such, the police should heed the advice in the judgment and follow the proper procedures to prevent a recurrence, which is in effect a violation of human rights.

Last Friday, the four-member bench allowed the appeal of Keadilan Youth leader Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, party leaders Tian Chua and Saari Sungib, malaysiakini columnist-cum-filmmaker Hishamuddin Rais and FreeAnwar.com webmaster Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin for a writ of habeas corpus to declare their arrest and detention last April as unlawful.