Immediate Comment by Loke Siew Fook in Petaling Jaya on Friday, 3^rd April 2009:

DAPSY urges Najib to free all ISA detainees and repeal the ISA along with other draconian laws that allow for detention without trial

DAPSY welcomes newly sworn in Prime Minister Najib’s declaration in his first policy address to the nation of his intention to review the controversial Internal Security Act 1960 and release 13 people detained under this Act.

However, Najib’s declaration leaves much to be desired, for Malaysians want to see this draconian law axed immediately, and all detainees released instantly.

A host of DAP leaders including Lim Kit Siang, Lim Guan Eng, Tan Seng Giaw, Kerk Kim Hock, Chian Heng Kai, and other social activists such as Chinese educationalist Datuk Sim Mow Yu have all suffered the injustice of detention without trial under the ISA. In addition, the five Hindraf activists including DAP state assemblyman for Kota Alam Shah, as well as around 40 other detainees, have yet to be granted the freedom that they deserve.

DAPSY urges Najib and the federal government to unconditionally release all ISA detainees and at the same time abolish the ISA along with other draconian laws that allow for detention without trial.

* Loke Siew Fook, DAP Socialist Youth (DAPSY) National Chairman & MP for Rasah