Reference is made to your article, 'ISA detainee fails to obtain hearing on bail application' published on June 9, 2003.

I would like to (rectify) several factual errors, which were due to miscommunication on my part.

In the article, you wrote:

  • Two courts allowed him bail of RM2,000 on each charge, but Marzilah (the magistrate) refused to entertain the remaining application. However, she met Lokman's lawyers in chambers later to explain her reasons.
  • Said Amir: "We informed the magistrate that two of her colleagues had no qualms about hearing and granting (bail) applications for Lokman. But she replied that the decisions by the other magistrates are not binding on her."

I would like to clarify that the magistrate refused to meet the lawyers, despite numerous requests. (Instead) at all material times, all communication was via the court's interpreter.

I take this opportunity to apologise for any inconvenience caused to you.

Amer Hamzah Arshad
Zain & Co, Advocates and Solicitors