Three nabbed under ISA, claims GMI
One Indonesian and two Malaysians in Johor have been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) over the past two months, claimed the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI).
One Indonesian and two Malaysians in Johor have been detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) over the past two months, claimed the Abolish ISA Movement (GMI).
They were believed to be held Under section 73(1) of the ISA which allows for up to 60 days imprisonment without trial.
The three detained are Agus Salim, Abdul Martin Anol Rahmat and Johar Hassan, according to a memorandum submitted by GMI to the Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).
Agus Salim, 32, is an Indonesian who worked as a cook at a Tom Yam restaurant in Larkin, Johor.
He was said to be detained on March 5 and escorted away by five police cars led by ASP Zaini Akhir from Bukit Aman police headquarters.
The entire process of his deportation was also recorded on video by the police. However, no reasons were provided for his detention.
His sister Fatin has tried calling a contact number provided by the police but was told that there was no one known as Agus Salim at the Bukit Aman police headquarters.
Abdul Martin Anol Rahmat, 60, was detained in Ulu Tiram on the morning of April 1 for his alleged involvement in Jemaah Islamiyyah (JI).
The self-employed man was escorted away by 12 policemen.
However, no information on Johar Hassan’s age, background and detention details was available, although he was alleged to have been detained sometime between March and April.
Detention not publicised
The detention of all three persons was not revealed by the police or Home Ministry to any media organisation.
Barely two weeks ago, newly-appointed Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced the release of 13 ISA detainees on April 4 as part of efforts to ‘enhance the confidence of our citizens in those entrusted with maintaining peace, law and order’.
This was starkly criticised by GMI, which stated that the silent detention of the three persons had proven that the BN government would still resort to using ISA to ensure their political survival.
The movement also reiterated its stand that the ISA violated the right to a fair and free trial in its memorandum.
In addition to the immediate release of all three detained persons, GMI also urged the Home Ministry to assure their safety, allow them to meet their family members and legal advisors, as well as explain the condition of their spouses and family members.
