A hunger strike aimed at seeking the release of the Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees and the abolition of the ISA will be launched this Thursday.

Speaking on behalf of the Campaign Committee of Hunger Strike for Freedom, Zaitun Kasim said today the campaign is another action in support of the Anti-ISA Movement (AIM).

She added this campaign will last until the 60th day of the detention of those arrested under the ISA recently, to remind the public of how many days the detainees have suffered.

Zaitun said the campaign involves ex-detainees, women, youth, students, artists and families of the detainees to protest the detention without trial of the 10 persons who have now been held for almost 30 days under the Act.

She said that the campaign will be launched on Thursday at 1pm in front of the Hotel Istana in Jalan Raja Chulan, Kuala Lumpur.

She said the venue was chosen as the United Nations (UN) and the Malaysia government have organised a regional workshop on the 'Impact of Globalisation on the Full Enjoyment of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights to Development in the Asia Pacific Region' at the hotel.

She added the campaign committee will hand over a memorandum to the participants of the workshop.

"We will try to meet them and get their support," she stressed.

Cultural activities

The women activist urged the public to support the launch of the Hunger Strike for Freedom by not having lunch on Thursday.

Furthermore, she said, for Muslims, they could practise the non-obligatory Thursday and Monday or even daily fast in solidarity with others on the hunger strike.

"Hunger strikers can choose the number of days they wish to pledge, any number is welcome," she said.

Zaitun added the operations centre of the Hunger Strike for Freedom will be announced shortly.

She said the Hunger Strike for Freedom will be carried live on web-cams and remain accessible on the Internet and daily cultural activities will be conducted in order to widen and deepen the campaign against the ISA.

She also urged those interested to contact the committee, as the group is in need of hunger strikers and volunteers.

"The hunger strikers can do it in the ways they feel comfortable, like not having meals for one or two days in a week," she said.