Calls to release the six reformasi leaders who are detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) rumble loud as international and local social rights groups today commemorate their arrests exactly two years ago.

The six are Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua, Youth leaders Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, Saari Sungib, Lokman Noor Adam, Dr Badrulamin Bahron and social activist-cum- malaysiakini columnist Hishamuddin Rais.

They were among the 10 arrested in April 2001 for allegedly trying to topple the government via militant means.

Subsequently, four were released while the rest were served with a two-year detention order in Kamunting, Perak.

Protests

Amnesty International said its members worldwide sent a "message of solidarity" to the families and friends of the detainees whom the organisation has adopted as prisoners of conscience.

"We applaud the courage, determination and support shown by those close to the detainees, and express hope that the six would soon be released and reunited with their families," the organisation said.

The Abolish ISA Movement said international protests are being held in several countries to call for the immediate and unconditional release of the six.

"In Melbourne, the Australia-Asia workers Links will rally at 5pm (Melbourne time) outside the Malaysian Airlines (MAS) office o­n Collin Street.

"In downtown Seoul, the Asia Pacific Workers Solidarity Links will lead nine labour organisations, including the largest Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, at a rally outside MAS office at 10am (Seoul time).

"In Hong Kong, protests will be held outside the Malaysian Consul-General's office while in London, a picket will be held at 12pm (London time) outside the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board in Trafalgar Square," it said.

Political reasons

National Human Rights Society (Hakam) said the government had "failed spectacularly" to produce any shred of evidence against the detainees over the past two years.

"It is ever more evident that the six have been detained without trial for political reasons.

"If the government has failed to produce any evidence or charges against the six all this time, it should without delay and conditions, free them," it said.

Hakam also commended the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) for its comprehensive ISA review report released yesterday, which urged the government to repeal the act and replace it with a new, clearer, security law.

The Federal Court o­n Sept 6 last year ruled that Chua, Mohd Ezam, Saari, Hishmamuddin and FreeAnwar.com webmaster Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin had been detained unlawfully for the first 60 days under the ISA.

However, the court did not free the detainees who were serving a further two-year detention order in Kamunting, Perak, with the exception of Raja Petra who was released during the initial detention period and Mohd Ezam who had been sent to the Kajang prison for breaching the Official Secrets Act last August.

In December, the ISA advisory board which reviewed the ISA 6's detention recommended their release, but its advice was shot down by the government who insisted that their detention was for valid security concerns.

Lawyers' concerns

In another related development, New York-based Lawyers Committee for Human Rights yesterday sent a letter to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad calling for Chua's release.

"Chua is internationally recognised as a committed activist o­n issues of democratic reform, social justice and labour rights and has been penalised many times in the past for making statements and organising public protests o­n these issues," the group said.

The lawyers were concerned that the government had used the ISA selectively against a legitimate, non-violent critic of government policies.

They also warned that such a repressive act by the government may become a "disincentive for foreign investors" and undermine the country's economic position in the region.