The families of 70 Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees conveyed their condolences to Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on the demise of his wife last Thursday, saying they know how it feels to be parted from a loved one.

"Like the entire nation, we too grieve over her demise," reads an open letter dated Oct 21 signed by Norliza Othman, the wife of detainee Mat Sah Mohd Satray.

She wrote the letter on behalf of the other families.

"As wives and family members of ISA detainees who have been away (from us) for the past four years, we know the pain and loss you feel in being parted from your beloved wife (Endon Mahmood)," she said.

The group reiterated its request to Abdullah to free the detainees.

Norliza pointed out that Abdullah could use his powers as home minister, especially in view of the month of Ramadan.

"We only have one wish: that our husbands detained on suspicion of involvement with JI (Jemaah Islamiah) and KMM (Kumpulan Militan Malaysia) are released," she added.

Anxious wait

Abolish ISA Movement (AIM) chairperson Syed Noh Syed Ibrahim said 61 detainees are anxious to know if their extended two-year detention order, which expires at the end of this year, will be prolonged.

"They are of course hoping that their detention will not be extended again, like that of the nine KMM suspects who will continue to be detained until 2007," he said when contacted.

"As we have said time and again, the allegations against them remain unproven and we urge the authorities to charge them or release them unconditionally."

In September 2001, nine members of alleged Islamic extremist group KMM were held under the ISA for their purported involvement in militant activities that undermined the nation's security.

Among them is Nik Adli, the son of PAS spiritual leader and Kelantan Menteri Besar Nik Abdul Aziz Nik Mat ( photo ).