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Press Statement by Karpal Singh in Kuala Lumpur on Friday, 26th June 2008:  Release Hindraf leaders without any further delay Persuant to section 13 of the Internal Security Act, 1960, the Advisory Board will be reviewing the orders of detention against the 5 Hindraf leaders, Manoharan A/L Malayalam, Ganabatirau A/L Veraman, Vasantha Kumar A/L Krishnan, Uthayakumar A/L Ponnusamy and Kengaharan A/L Ramasamy. On 26th March, 2008 the King had, after considering the recommendations of the Advisory Board, directed that the 2 year period of detention under section 8 (1) of the Internal Security Act continue. The detention orders against the Hindraf leaders were made on 13rd December, 2007. The Hindraf leaders have been in detention for more than 6 months. There is no more reason for the Advisory Board to recommend that the detention should continue. The Advisory Board under section 13 (2) of the Internal Security Act is required on completion the review to submit to the Minister of Home Affairs a written report with the necessary recommendations. The Advisory Board should recommend their release. I am surprised that since 2006 until May, 2008 the King has not directed any detention under the Internal Security Act, following recommendations from the Advisory Board, be revoked. This is stated in the written reply to me by the Minister of Home Affairs on 24th June, 2008 [copy of question and answer attached]. However, the King had, on the recommendations of the Advisory Board for this period, directed the release of 73 detainees under the Emergency (Public Order and Preventive of Crime) Ordinance 1969 and under the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures Act), 1985 directed the release of 60 detainees. The situation in the country now does not demand the continued detention of the Hindraf leaders. In keeping with the Rule of Law, these Hindraf leaders should be released without any further delay. * Karpal Singh, DAP National Chairman & MP for Bukit Gelugor