Suhakam urged to visit ISA detainees allegedly linked to al-Qaeda
The Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) today submitted a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) urging it to visit the latest group of Internal Security Act detainees alleged to be part of a religious militant movement linked to al-Qaeda.
GMI taskforce chairperson Zaid Kamaruddin said Suhakam should exhaust all powers given to it under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 to ensure the well-being of the detainees, including the right to visit those arrested and the right to contact any party connected with the investigations.
Zaid, who is also the deputy president of local Islamic movement Jemaah Islah Malaysia, listed the 13 detainees as those arrested between Dec 9 and Jan 3 on allegations that they were members of a new wing of the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM).
Among others, the 13 were detained on charges that they had acted to jeopardise national security by plotting to establish a Dauliah Ismaliah (Islamic government) encompassing Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Philippines, said Zaid during a meeting at the commission's office this morning after submitting the memorandum.
"The accusations against the detainees are extremely severe and the police must reassure the people that they are acting with sufficient proof to establish wrongdoing," said Zaid, adding that the police should then charge those in a court of law while providing them with access to fair legal counsel.
The three-page memorandum was handed to Suhakam commissioner Anuar Zainal Abidin.
Wives' pleas
Wives of seven of the detainees were also present to relate their concern for the safety of their husbands.
The Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) today submitted a memorandum to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) urging it to visit the latest group of Internal Security Act detainees alleged to be part of a religious militant movement linked to al-Qaeda.
GMI taskforce chairperson Zaid Kamaruddin said Suhakam should exhaust all powers given to it under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999 to ensure the well-being of the detainees, including the right to visit those arrested and the right to contact any party connected with the investigations.
Zaid, who is also the deputy president of local Islamic movement Jemaah Islah Malaysia, listed the 13 detainees as those arrested between Dec 9 and Jan 3 on allegations that they were members of a new wing of the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia (KMM).
Among others, the 13 were detained on charges that they had acted to jeopardise national security by plotting to establish a Dauliah Ismaliah (Islamic government) encompassing Malaysia, Indonesia and southern Philippines, said Zaid during a meeting at the commission's office this morning after submitting the memorandum.
"The accusations against the detainees are extremely severe and the police must reassure the people that they are acting with sufficient proof to establish wrongdoing," said Zaid, adding that the police should then charge those in a court of law while providing them with access to fair legal counsel.
The three-page memorandum was handed to Suhakam commissioner Anuar Zainal Abidin.
Wives' pleas
Wives of seven of the detainees were also present to relate their concern for the safety of their husbands.
"We have not been allowed to visit our husbands despite promises by the police that we would see them within days," said one of the wives, adding that she was given a new date each time she contacted the police.
Suri Hanim, wife of Ahmad Yani Ismail who was arrested on Dec 29, tearfully pleaded for visitation rights as her children were deeply traumatised after witnessing their father's arrest.
She said she was separated from her husband when he was asked to sign several documents by the police during the night of the arrest.
Sejahratul Dursina, wife of Yazid Sufaat who was the first to be detained on Dec 9 at Malaysia's northern border with Thailand, said she had also been interrogated twice by the police since her husband's arrest.
Absurd accusations
However, she asserted that the accusations were false and "absurd".
"To the best of my knowledge, my husband is a good Muslim trying to be a better Muslim but for that, he has been accused of these activities," Sejahratul added.
The police also confiscated computers, religious books and materials, said the wives.
Meanwhile, commissioner Anuar said that while Suhakam is concerned with the information given by the family members, it has only limited powers to act.
"We have tried many times to take actions but they have been without effect," said Anuar, adding however, that the commission would continue to repeat their attempts.
"We hope that in time, some parties will be able to see things with open eyes and open hearts," he added.
Meetings with police
A Suhakam source later said the actions taken by the commission included meetings with the police, and requests for the police to provide Suhakam with explanations as well as visitation rights for family members.
"When asked, Anuar ( left ) said Suhakam is still planning to meet with home ministry secretary-general Aseh Che Mat to discuss issues raised by the GMI and human rights group Suaram in their previously submitted memorandums.
On a separate matter, a Suhakam source said the commission will not be sending a team to monitor the by-election in Indera Kayangan, Perlis.
However, he added that the commission will do so if it receives complaints from the public.
On Jan 4, police chief Norian Mai announced the arrest of 13 men under Section 73(1) of the ISA for allegedly carrying out activities which are a threat to national security, including holding secret meetings for the setting up of the Daulah Islamiah.
The 13, who were detained following the arrest of 25 members of the KMM last year, included bank officers, taxi drivers, businessmen, a school headmaster and a university lecturer.
Police said the 13 were members of a new wing of KMM. One was alleged to be linked to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaeda, which is blamed by the United States for the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington DC.
