The terrorist attacks in the United States must not be used by the Malaysian government to justify the controversial Internal Security Act which allows detention without trial, stressed two non-governmental organisations.

"We are gravely disturbed by several statements made by the government with clear overtones of self justification on the use of the ISA in cracking down on terrorist and militant actions in Malaysia," said human rights organisation Suaram.

In a press statement yesterday, Suaram's executive director Cynthia Gabriel stressed that the ISA should not be justified as a legitimate means of action as it provides the government with essential powers for preventive detention.

"It denies persons access to judicial recourse, thus violating all fundamental democratic principles," added Gabriel.

Crucial role

Last Saturday, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the ISA played a crucial role in dealing with terrorism.

"We cannot afford the wait-and-see attitude because by the time we think we have a clear picture of the threat, it would then be too late to act when lives and property are lost and destruction is everywhere,' reasoned Abdullah.

However, Gabriel warned all parties that in finding an urgent solution to terrorism, they must not grab "cheap opportunities to reinforce political agendas".

The ISA was invoked in early August against members of the Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM) who authorities alleged had wanted to wage a holy war.

The detainees which included several PAS members were also said to be responsible for the bombing of a church and temple as well as a spate of bank robberies.

In April, 10 opposition leaders and reformasi activists were detained under the act for their alleged involvement in a militant attempt to overthrow the government. Six of them are currently undergoing a two-year detention.

Arrogant statement

Meanwhile, the Anti-ISA Movement (GMI) criticised the government for being insensitive to the pain and hurt of US citizens by associating the ISA's supposed success against terrorism.

"This statement by the government shows arrogance as if such incidents could have been averted due to the ISA," said GMI working committee chairman Zaid Kamaruddin in a press statement today.

Abdullah's statement came in the wake of two terrorist-commandeered airliners crashing into the World Trade Center in New York, followed by another into the US Department of Defense's Pentagon building last Tuesday.

A fourth hijacked airliner crashed into a farm in Pennsylvania. The US has singled out Saudi-born millionaire Osama bin Laden as the "prime suspect" behind the attacks.

The attacks prompted most countries, including Malaysia, to pledge their support for President George W Bush in declaring war against terrorism.

Military retaliation is expected against Afghanistan which is said to be harbouring Osama.

Suaram, however, urged the Malaysian government "not to toe the line propagated by Bush in waging the new war".

"What is really needed is a genuine review of US' foreign policy while the root causes of terrorism must be clearly ascertained, and a clear response galvanised before the use of military weapons are traded on the battlefield," said Suaram.