A protest march was held near the Kamunting detention camp this morning to mark the fourth detention anniversary of nine suspected terrorists held under the Internal Security Act.

The 500-meter march, led by the Abolish the ISA Movement AIM), saw 250 protesters marching peacefully from the Kamunting mosque to the camp.

Protesters held placards and posters while some donned headbands and armbands. As they marched quietly towards the camp, they drew curious stares from onlookers and traffic came to a crawl.

At a road block about 150 meters from the camp, the group was told by a police official that only family members of detainees with visitation cards would be
allowed to proceed.

Compromises

Several representatives then negotiated with Larut Matang and Selama OCPD ACP Mohd Amin Abdullah, who after 15 minutes of haggling, agreed to allow the group to accompany the visitors further up the road.

In return, the protestors promised that they put down their posters and would not go near the camp entrance.

They also promised to disperse immediately after the visitors entered the camp.

Everything went on as planned. After some of the detainees' relatives were escorted into the camp, the group cheered at the police and camp wardens, and thanked them for their cooperation.

Approached later, Mohd Amin expressed his appreciation for the group's cooperation.

"Everything was under control. They gave their full cooperation and all are happy. We don't want to create a tense situation," he said.

Police lauded

AIM president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh (left) was impressed with the professionalism and cooperation shown by the police.

"At least he (Mohd Amin) was willing to listen (to our demands), although he was constantly harassed by his other officers," he said.

Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) pro tem secretary general S Arutchelvan felt that today's protest was incident free because there was no police provocation.

"Today is a clear demonstration that if the authorities allow freedom of assembly to the people, things can be very peaceful," said Arutchelvan.

Several notable opposition leaders such as Perak DAP chief Ngah Kor Ming and PSM's Dr D Jeyakumar were also present with their entourage.

Fate unknown

Yesterday marks the end of the four-year detention period of nine suspected terrorist Alias Ngah, Ahmad Pozi, Nik Adli Nik Abdul Aziz, Solehan Abdul Ghafur,
Mohd Lothfi Ariffin, Mohd Rafi Udin, Moh Zulkifli Mohd Zakaria, Zainon Ismail and Zid Sharani.

According to AIM, these individuals have not had their detention period extended, and should legally be allowed to walk free.

However, no official announcement has been made by the Internal Security Ministry regarding the matter at press time.

ISA detention periods can only be up to two years. However, extensions of up to another two years can be authorised by the Internal Security Minister.