Human rights organisation Suaram has awarded its 2001 human rights prize to two groups this year - the wives and families of ISA detainees, and the community defending the SJK (C) Damansara, or SOS Damansara.

"The families of the ISA 10, in the course of fighting for their loved ones, have become fearless campaigners and an integral part of the anti-ISA movement," said Suaram executive director Cynthia Gabriel.

"Constant harassment and humiliation by the police and authorities failed to break their determination to seek justice," she added.

The families took it upon themselves to publish a monthly newsletter, went on road shows around the country to present their plight, submitted several petitions to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) and even broke through the prime minister's security detail to personally hand him a letter demanding the release of the detainees.

In April, Keadilan and reformasi leaders Tian Chua, Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, Saari Sungib, N Gobalakrishnan, Dr Badrul Amin Bahron, Lokman Nor Adam, Abdul Ghani Harun, malaysiakini columnist-cum-filmmaker Hishamuddin Rais, FreeAnwar.com webmaster Raja Petra Kamaruddin and human rights activist Badaruddin Ismail were arrested under the ISA.

The police alleged that the 10 were part of a militant attempt to overthrow the government. Five have been released, but Chua, Ezam, Saari, Hishamuddin and Lokman are still being held under a two-year detention order in the Kamunting Detention Centre in Taiping.

Living social heritage

The other recipient of the award, SOS Damansara, was praised by Suaram for defending the SJK (C) Damansara, a "living social heritage which gives dreams and hopes to schoolchildren".

"During their tireless campaigns, parents, residents and supporters have faced all sorts of harassment with some even arrested," said Gabriel.

The community and their supporters protested against the move to relocate the school early this year, claiming that there was no justification for it.

They brought their case to various organisations and political parties, the Education Ministry, Suhakam and Parliament.

Volunteer school teachers were enlisted to teach the 74 pupils who chose to study at the old site. When they were barred from entering the school compound, the pupils attended classes in the neighbouring temple compound before moving into air-conditioned containers.

"Suaram is deeply encouraged by the passion and commitment displayed by these two groups and hope that they will continue to pursue their basic rights and liberties," Gabriel said.

Suaram presented the awards during a dinner last Friday attended by foreign dignitaries as well as human rights activists.

In a poll conducted by malaysiakini on the award, the Damansara school pupils emerged tops with 5,072 votes, while the Anti-ISA Movement followed with 1,410 votes.