The Abolish ISA Movement (GMI) today called on the authorities to reveal proof that the 13 students held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) are linked to the regional terror network Jemaah Islamiah (JI).

In a statement, its chairperson Zaid Kamaruddin said the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) should immediately look into the detentions to ensure that the students' safety and health are not threatened.

He said Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's justification to deny the students right to counsel and trial under the security law was an "abuse of power and serious violation of human rights."

The students, aged between 16 and 21, were studying in Karachi, Pakistan. They were detained by authorities there for two months before being deported.

They were arrested on Monday by Malaysian police upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur.

Zaid pointed out that Pakistani authorities had failed to gather the evidence needed to charge and convict the students.

"Now, they have to endure another round of investigations, without the advice of a counsel and denied from contacting their families," he said.

On Wednesday, Abdullah, who is also home minister, defended the use of ISA against the students as the 60-day initial detention was necessary to extend investigations into their involvement in terrorist activities.

Future leaders

Under the security law, a detainee can be held incommunicado for 60 days after which, the home minister can issue a further two-year detention without trial. The detention can be extended upon expiry.

Meanwhile, Zaid said the arrest of the students served to besmirch the new terms of the recently-installed prime minister and Inspector-General of Police Mohd Bakri Omar.

"We are particularly disappointment with Abdullah...not only did he fail to abolish the cruel ISA, he has instead allowed its use against students who are still young," he lamented.

In September, Deputy Home Minister Chor Chee Heung claimed that initial investigations by the police here revealed that the 13 were being groomed as future JI leaders.