In Sarawak, where I'm from, the Chinese business community is highly sensitive to the ISA arrests.

While the current arrests seem to be limited to Keadilan members, my parents in Sibu cautioned that more may be coming after the state elections. Many people are concerned it may spread to Sarawak and involve prominent individuals as it did in the 1970s. This perception is further enhanced by the implied warning in press statements attributed to Sarawak Chief Minister Abdul Taib Mahmud.

I do hope and pray that political activists involved in the state elections do not cause any incident that may provoke the use of ISA. I believe there is sufficient provision within the Malaysian Constitution that allows citizens to elect the government of their choice without violence.

I hope Keadilan can make some adjustments to their approach in the state. Many silent people are with those arrested and their candidates who would be standing in Sarawak.