Four Barisan Nasional representatives in the Penang legislature are among those who have expressed support for the release of reformasi activists being held in the Kamunting detention centre under the Internal Security Act.

Their responses were recorded in a two-part survey among 25 of the 33 state assembly representatives. The Penang Anti-ISA Network (Pain), a coalition of local non-governmental organisations, conducted the two-part survey yesterday.

Seven say 'aye'

Respondents were asked if they supported recent recommendations by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to repeal the ISA. They were then asked if the ISA 6 should be released when their detention order expires.

Of the 25 respondents, seven agreed that the reformasi activists should be released from detention.

They were Dr Toh Kin Woon (Gerakan-Machang Bubok), Jasmin Mohamed (Umno-Sungai Dua), Tan Cheng Liang (MCA-Jawi), Lim Gim Soon (MCA-Kampung Kolam), Abdul Rahman Kader (Keadilan-Penanti), Law Heng Kiang (DAP-Batu Lanchang) and Mohd Hamdan Abd. Rahman (PAS-Permatang Pasir).

The reformasi activists were held in 2001 o­n allegations that they were planning to topple the government through militant means, an accusation that they have denied.

The two-year detention order for three of them - malaysiakini columnist Hishamuddin Rais and Keadilan leaders Tian Chua and Saari Sungib - will expire on June 1.

Two more - Keadilan leaders Lokman Noor Adam and Dr Badrul Amin Baharom - are due for release o­n June 13 unless the order is renewed by the home minister o­n police advice.

A sixth activist - KeadilanYouth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, who was originally detained under the ISA - was moved to the Kajang prison last August, to serving a two-year jail sentence for breach of the Official Secrets Act 1972.

'Don't know'

Of the 18 other respondents, several did not answer the questions or claimed they did not know about the detention of the ISA 6.

Deputy Chief Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya and MCA Kampong Kolam state assembly representative Lim Gim Soon disagreed outright with Suhakam recommendation to repeal the ISA.

Hilmi, who was among respondents who said they "did not know the case" (of the ISA 6) said the ISA was necessary as a preventive measure against terrorism.

"Don't wait until something happens (before arresting people)," he told reporters at the state assembly lobby.

Political secretary to the chief minister and former Gerakan Youth chief Teng Chang Yeow, interviewed later by malaysiakini , explained that party's representatives may have chosen not to respond to the survey because of code of conduct

"We have a way of persuading the government o­n this matter but we don't have to let everyone know (about it)," he added.

Seven commended

Coalition co-ordinator O­ng Boon Keong ( photo ), who led the survey, said the seven representatives were to be commended for their courage in stating their views o­n what is deemed to be a controversial subject.

At a press conference, he expressed disappointment that Koay Kar Huah (MCA-Bukit Gelugor), had "run away" when approached for a response. Koay represents the constituency where O­ng is a voter.

Ong said five other representatives - Loh Hock Hun (MCA-Paya Terubong), Teng Hock Nan (Gerakan-Kebun Bunga), K Rajapathy (MIC-Perai) and Kee Phaik Cheen (Gerakan-Batu Uban) - had declined to entertain his queries during the survey.

He expressed disappointment that many of the politicians whom he questioned had claimed they "did not know the case" in relation to the detention of the ISA 6.

"Either they are like the proverbial frog that lives under a coconut shell ( seperti katak dibawah tempurung ) or they are cowards," said O­ng.

'Mala fide'

Keadilan supreme council member Cheah Kah Peng, who was present at the press conference, described the detention of the activists as "political prosecution".

Cheah, who is the party's deputy Penang chief, said the Federal Court decision last September held that the initial 60-day detention of the activists (for interrogation) was done in bad faith by the police, and that the arrests were therefore unlawful.

Based o­n this, the ISA Advisory Board had recommended last December that they be released, while the Bar Council and human rights groups have backed the decision.

"There is no reason to keep them under detention. The Home Ministry (stands alone in refusing) to release them," added Cheah, a lawyer who represents the activists.