I read with great disappointment the move by Malaysian authorities, especially the home minister, for authorising the sending of Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor, Saari Sungib, Tian Chua and activist-writer, Hishamuddin Rais to Kamunting in Perak for a prolonged detention under the ISA ('Tian, Ezam, Saari and Hisham sent to Kamunting', June 3).

The release of N Gobalakrishnan and Abd.Ghani Haroon by the Shah Alam High Court, followed by that of Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin by the police had, to a certain extent, convinced me that it was the beginning of an end to agony(ies) for the 10 held under ISA and their families.

It is now clear that the four will not be tried in an open court, at least for the time being, thus, denying their right to defend themselves against the allegations hurled at them.

Being a Malaysian citizen who believes in justice and democracy, I appeal to Home Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to reconsider releasing the four immediately. Should there be a basis to the allegations, they should then be tried in an open court.