The Abolish ISA movement (GMI) has questioned the government's actions and motives in detaining eight foreigners and a local early this year.

They were said to be involved in suspected terrorists activities, despite the Nigerian government not classifying its deported citizens as such.

syed ibrahim syed noh The movement's chairperson, Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh ( right ), said this shows those detained under the draconian Internal Security Act are not dangerous.

"I managed to contact one of the former detainee from Nigeria, Luqman Abdul Salam, three months ago, and he said that he did not face further action when he returned home. He has even managed to find a job.

"The Malaysian government had classified them as terrorists, but when released and deported back to their countries their government does not classify them as such," he said, adding that Luqman's compatriot Abdul Alahi Bolajoko also did not face any action.

Syed Ibrahim told Malaysiakini the Malaysian government's motive for their detention can thus be questioned, adding that he does not have details on the fate of the remaining six foreigners and the local.

Foreigners deported

Syed Ibrahim, who is also the deputy president of the Jamaah Islah Malaysia (JIM), said all the foreigners had been released and deported to their country of origin.

They include three Syrians - Aiman Al Dakkak, his son Mohamed Hofiza, and Kutiba Al Issa. The others were two Yemenis - Khalid Salem and Hassan Barudi, and Jordanian Hussam Khalid. The Malaysian has been identified as Azzahari Murad.

hishamuddin hussein It was reported in January that GMI believes several foreigners and locals were detained under ISA at Sungai Cincin, Gombak and this was confirmed by Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein ( left ).

Syed Ibrahim said the government's move to link the detainees to international terrorist groups including Jemaah Islamiah was politically motivated.

He said it is also aimed at causing fear among Muslims and non-Muslims in a bid to justify its actions against NGOs, students and leaders of political parties.

"It is also to justify the ISA law which is due to be amended soon. The authorities wanted to portray that such laws are needed as a pre-emptive measure," said Syed Ibrahim.