The Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) today asked if a Chinese national accused of passport forgery was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) to cover-up the possible complicity of government officials.

"GMI questions the motives in using the ISA. Was it invoked to cover-up wrongdoings or corruption by the government officials in the case of Loo Pei Tu, given the fact that there is no open trial under the ISA?" said it secretary Yap Swee Seng in a statement.

He said the decision to use the ISA against the foreigner for a 'chargeable crime' contradicted the government's statement that it was acting based on sufficient evidence.

He added that the government needed to prove its claims in an open court and not dismiss the case by invoking the security law.

Yap said the trial process accords the detainee his right to defence and right to legal counsel, and also allows the government to "come out clean that no government officials were involved in the alleged criminal offence committed by Loo".

Unjustifiable excuse

The activist said the excuse used by the government that Loo cannot be charged in court due to difficulties in obtaining witnesses is 'unjustifiable' when so many other foreigners have been charged and convicted in Malaysian courts.

Loo's detention, he pointed out, also stands in stark contradiction of the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's (Suhakam) call for 'restraint' in the use of ISA.

In 2003, Suhakam called on the government to scrap the controversial law on grounds that it "lacks respect for and observance of fundamental freedoms."

Loo, 39, became the latest ISA casualty on Sunday, when he was detained under Section 8A(1) and sent to the Kamunting detention camp. His detention order will last until 2006.

Internal Security Deputy Minister Noh Omar said Loo, who is married to a Malaysian, was earlier arrested for being in possession of Malaysian and Singaporean immigration stamps and 200 forged passports.

According to Noh, the individual is believed to be part of a syndicate in operation since March 2002.

"The Chinese national is very dangerous because with the stamps, he can put a stamp on the passport of other citizens who have overstayed without exiting Malaysia," the deputy minister had said.