ISA arrests: Pakatan MPs submits memo to PM
Leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure the freedom of their compatriot, a group from Pakatan Rakyat came knocking at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya today.
Leaving no stone unturned in their bid to secure the freedom of their compatriot, a group from Pakatan Rakyat came knocking at the Prime Minister’s Office in Putrajaya today.
Seeking the release of Internal Security Act detainee Teresa Kok, the group hopes that the government will also act to alleviate the situation.
Although, they did not meet Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, the memorandum was handed over to the premier's special assistant by Pakatan MPs Johari Abdul (PKR), Dr Hatta Ramli (PAS) and Anthony Loke (DAP).
However, the trio did not disclose the contents of the sealed envelope addressed to the premier.
"I've had no opportunity to read it yet as it is sealed but it is from the Pakatan secretariat," said Johari.
"The contents is connected to the administration of this country and ensuring political stability," added the Sungai Petani MP.
Linked to Sept 16?
On whether the contents of the memorandum concerned the Sept 16 takeover (tomorrow), he said that it was more about the direction of the country, ISA detentions and the stability of the country.
For Hatta (photo, far right), the expectations of a Sept 16 takeover has caused some "excitement" among the people and that racial harmony and peace may have suffered as a result of the ISA detentions recently.
"These detentions have caused anxiety among the people and even some ministers within the Barisan Nasional government have voiced their disapproval," said the Kuala Krai MP.
"As such, we are asking the prime minister to pay more attention to the current situation so that even if political changes do take place, it will be done under a stable and peaceful environment."
On Friday, three people were arrested under the ISA.
Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin, Sin Chew Daily journalist Tan Hoon Cheng and Kok were picked up by the police in various parts of the country to "stabilize" the country.
Although, Tan was subsequently released some 18 hours later, the other two continue to be held at undisclosed locations.
Posters are not ours
In a separate development, Johari denied that a poster being circulated in Kuala Lumpur was the party's doing.
Describing the poster as "mischievous" the Sungai Petani MP said that neither PKR nor Pakatan Rakyat had any plans to congregate at the King's palace tomorrow.
He showed copies of a poster inviting members of the public to join Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim at the King's Palace as he takes his oath before Yang DiPertuan Agung as the new prime minister.
The poster said that a welcoming ceremony for Anwar would take place tomorrow at 10am.
"This is not by us," said Johari. "We want to confirm that the posters, which are placed all over town, is not a Pakatan Rakyat initiative.
"We suspect that this is the doing of certain parties who want the current situation to deteriorate and we hope that the police will get to the bottom of this."
Johari confirmed that party officials have filed a police report on the matter at 12.30pm today.
