Amidst the air of jubilance surrounding former ISA detainee Abdul Malik Hussin's landmark victory against the government over his arrest and torture in 1998, some expressed hope that the perpetrators would one day be brought to justice.

Kuala Lumpur High Court judge Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus in a landmark decision ruled that Abdul Malek's arrest at the height of the reformasi demonstrations was unlawful and that he was assaulted under custody.

The chairperson of polls watchdog Malaysians for Free and Fair Elections (Mafrel) was awarded RM2.5 million in damages.

Several anti-Internal Security Act and human rights activists were present and said that damages were secondary and what's important is to go after police officers who abused the system.

Here are their comments:

Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh, Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) chairperson

This is truly a landmark case. I believe it actually indicates how persistent (you have to be). You really (need to) have the courage and bravery to fight for the right cause.

It is not (about getting) damages but the (struggle for the) cause. It shows that we are able to continue even though we have a tantamount obstacle in front of us, that is, the government itself.

But if we're persistent, yes, we will win. So in this case, I am quite happy with the verdict. But we also want to make sure that those who have committed the assault and taken liberty to do whatever they wish just because they have the ISA, (that) they will pay for it.

Yap Swee Seng, Suaram executive director

We are very happy with the judgment of the High Court. It vindicates the case of Abdul Malek Hussin and I also agree that the government should press criminal charges against those who tortured and detained Malek Hussin illegally because he had really suffered in that long period - both physically and mentally.

The abuse of power by the police and also abuses by the state apparatus has been exposed in this case. (There has been) a lot of torture of detainees. Therefore, we are calling for the government to abolish ISA and end all torture and ratify the International Convention Against Torture so that torture will not be tolerated and be stamped out totally from our system.

Ezam Mohd Noor, Democracy and Anti-Corruption Movement (Gerak) chairperson and former ISA detainee

I think (this) is enough notice for the government to take action because this is the third judgment made by the court in the country against the ISA.

All the practices and abuses by the police officers (have come to light so the) government must immediately response to this. Unless they are an irresponsible government, they must act on this.

I think nothing less than a royal commission has be set up and immediate action to review the ISA must be done for the sake of the country. We must continue with the campaign to see the ISA abolished in our lifetime.