Two more detainees held under the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), who were preparing to file their habeas corpus applications, were released on Monday, according to Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI)

In a statement issued today, GMI said Shamsuddin Alik and Mohd Sarail Osman have since notified their lawyers Fadiah Nadwa and G Sivamalar of their release.

NONE The government released 12 other detainees on Aug 17, two days before the Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

GMI chairperson Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh ( left ) said the release of Shamsuddin and Sarail has reduced the number of ISA detainees to 27, more than one year after Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak announced the abolition of the ISA in September 2011.

The 27 detainees comprise 10 Malaysians, six Sri Lankans, one Pakistani, two Indians, two Iraqis, two Bangladeshis and a Filipino.

Syed Ibrahim said that Shamsuddin and Sarail were arrested in Tawau on Nov 15, 2011, after being accused of terrorist activities, and were to be held until January 2014.

'Release done to save image of governmemt'

"Their release shows that the detention order is something that can be revamped according to the orders of the home minister, as explained in Clause 32 of the Security Offences Act, which says any detention order under the ISA will be in effect till it is cancelled by the minister,'' he said.

Their release, he said, was also done to save the image of the government after the duo had prepared to file the habeas corpus applications with the court to challenge their detention.

"GMI would like to question the rationale of the home minister for refusing to release the rest of the detainees.

"It appears to GMI as if the home minister wants to show off his power by arbitrarily releasing the detainees," Syed Ibrahim said, adding that the minister had yet to explain the criteria to determine the release of detainees.