The Abolish ISA Movement (AIM) today condemned the detention of an alleged Thai militant in Kuala Lumpur under the Internal Security Act.

In a press statement, AIM secretary Chang Lih Kang criticised the Ministry of Internal Security for resorting to the ISA once again where there are other laws which do not violate a detainee's right to trial.

"The use of the ISA is in stark contradiction with Malaysia's Federal Constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights," he said.

Abdul Rahman Ahmad @ Deraman Koteh was arrested by the police on Jan 5 over his alleged role in several bombings in Southern Thailand. He is also said to possess dual citizenship.

Thai newspaper, The Nation , has reported that the suspect, who is also known as Chae Kumae Kutehmay, may be extradited to Bangkok.

Charge or free him

Meanwhile, Chang said AIM does not condone terrorist activities and is only concerned with defending the rights of the people.

"If the government has evidence against Abdul Rahman, we urge the government to charge him in an open court, in accordance with his right to defend himself, the right to legal counsel and the right to a fair trial," he added.

He said the government should release Abdul Rahman if there is no evidence against him.

"By detaining someone without providing credible evidence in an open court, the government will ruin its own reputation and become the laughing stock of the entire world," he added.

He said AIM is also disappointed with the late announcement of the arrest.

"We also question the motives of the government in using the ISA to arrest Abdul Rahman. Was it invoked to please the Thai government? Or is it an attempt to create a culture of fear within the Malaysian society?" he asked.

Chang said AIM deemed the arrest as another endeavour by the police and the government to further stigmatize the recent detentions and convince the public that the ISA is only used against "terrorists".