I am very impressed by the brief introduction to the subject of torture under international law featured by James Wong Wing On ('Giving torture a sound whipping', April 25).

But bear in mind that the Federal Constitution had been amended according according to the whims of the Barisan Nasional (BN) government without deliberating the severe consequences to the rule of law and the basic structure of the Constitution. So it looks like BN has never and will not honour or ratify the international laws or treaties, as recommended by Suhakam, to the BN's disadvantage.

We should see the recent detentions, which took effect under the disgusting provision of the ISA, which is backed by the Constitution, in a broader perspective.

It has nothing to do with legal issues, but a question for the people in Malaysia to think beyond the unthinkable: whether we are resilient and resourceful enough to find a way to muster all races and religious groups to call for its abolishment.

I believe the true teachings of religion can offer us all the courage and wisdom we want the people to have to fight against the ISA.

Unlike PAS, who organises solat hajat to reinforce the Muslims' spiritual strength and determination to call for its abolishment, other groups are just resorting to their very 'traditional and mild' way of fighting the ISA.

The Prophets, Buddha, spiritualists and religious preachers appreciate the fact that human beings need spiritual strength to fight against tyranny and oppression . They humbly go down to the grassroots of society.

It is needful to say that they even go to the extent of mixing, mingling and sharing their personal feelings and thoughts with a pauper and the despicable. They preach with daily examples and simple expressions that are yet so touching, full of revelations and are unforgettable.

The inexplicit but uncluttered rituals and ceremonies set by them have enlightened so many people to rise up to the higher call of spiritual seeking for freedom and justice from within. Look at their teachings - after thousands of years, they still continue to grow and capture millions of souls and hearts. Moreover, the teachings have inspired many to fight for freedom and justice for all throughout history.

The life, the death and the teachings of love of Jesus Christ prompted the people of Europe and the West to mould and disseminate the concept of human rights, which nowadays receives worldwide recognition. The spirit of jihad (struggle) and rahmat (mercy) as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad in both his social and political life has motivated many Muslims in the Middle East, Afghanistan, Kosovo, Chechnya and in other parts of the world to fight against tyranny and oppression of the ruling regime.

Also, the teachings of metta (loving-kindness) of Gautama Buddha have successfully persuaded fellow Buddhists to practise non-violence. No one in the world today can deny the fact that Buddhism has contributed so much to world peace as one of the most peaceful religions throughout the history of mankind.

The non-violent political struggle of the Dalai Lama of Tibet against the Chinese Communist ruling regime is a crystal example of this point.

Now coming back to Malaysia, we have this heinous ISA, which is seemingly so difficult to rid off. So why not we emulate the Prophets et al's ways to have prayers, chanting, meditation or other religious ways of expression to voice our protest against the detentions and arrests made under the ISA and call for the abolishment of the Act?

I agree with James Wong that we should condemn torture, as well as blatant violations of human rights, as a sacrilegious challenge to God and at once pray to God for mercy. Nevertheless, prayer must not only be done, but must be seen to be done.

Hence, we should gather the people in the various houses of worship and make the prayers visible to the public to show all the true meaning of justice, love and compassion, and at the same time to garner their support to call for the release of the 10 detainees and the abolishment of the Act.

We need not wait for the various 'timid and apathetic' religious organisations and leaders to nod and give us the consent to initiate or officiate the prayers. Don't the opposition and the non- govermental organisations (NGOs) have sufficient members of Christians, Buddhists, Taoists, Hindus, Sikhs and other supporters who believe in one way or another the teachings of religion?

Isn't faith a personal matter between humans and the divine, so what's wrong for the opponents of the ISA to express their trauma via religious ceremonies of their own faith?

Remember, Jesus Christ, Prophet Muhammad, Gautama Buddha etc. were, too, defiant minorities in the eyes of the ruling authorities of their lands then. So let us pray together until its abolishment takes effect.