The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) today urged the police and Home Ministry to exercise good faith in the arrest of a former army officer under the Internal Security Act last Thursday.

Abdul Manaf Kasmuri, a former colonel who served as a United Nations peacekeeper in Bosnia, was detained for alleged involvement in the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiah. His whereabouts are unknown.

"Suhakam urges the authorities to exercise their powers to arrest and detain Abdul Manaf under the ISA with utmost care and in good faith. His arrest and detention should be in accordance with the rule of law and consistent with human rights principles.

"Suhakam recommends that the authorities, if they have not already done so, should inform Abdul Manaf's family members of his arrest and detention," said the commission in a statement signed by secretary Kamaruddin Mohamed Baria.