Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees are held at the Kamunting Detention Centre for two years in order to be disciplined and separated from the rest of the community, stated the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) public inquiry report.

The centre's director Abdul Basir Mohamad told the Suhakam inquiry panel that the controlled environment under Section 8 of the ISA 1960 was to "inculcate a greater sense of discipline" among the detainees.

"By giving detainees time to reflect, it is thought that the detainees might be able to gain greater love for their country, and to have more respect for the rights of other members of society," he said.

"This is accomplished by way of a three-month orientation period upon arrival at the centre," he added.

Abdul Basir's is among the 22 testimonies recorded during a public inquiry concerning the conditions of ISA detentions, which was carried out by the commission last year.

The testimonies, including those related to the centre's policies, regulations and practices, were made public for the first time in the commission's 61-page report released yesterday.