Media Statement by Lau Weng San in Petaling Jaya on Saturday, 9^th May 2009:

Conditional release not welcomed

While all are welcoming the latest decision of the federal government to release 13 ISA detainees, including three remaining Hindraf leaders from Kamunting Detention Camp, one should not take things for granted as the remaining three Hindraf leaders could be released subject to certain restrictive conditions.

Two earlier released Hindraf leaders, i.e. V. Ganabatirau and R. Kenghadaran were released subject to certain restrictive conditions. For the next one year, they are not allowed to play active role in politics and Hindraf, not allowed to move outside their city of residence, not allowed to comment on what happened in Kamunting Detention Camp openly especially about food and not allowed to speak in public and to the media.

Such release is definitely meaningless, unlawful and restrictive in nature as they are still subject to certain rules and regulations which are draconian in nature. The government should immediately remove such conditions and the same should also be done on release of the remaining three Hindraf leaders.

There must be unconditional release for all of them. A conditional release is not welcomed.

* Lau Weng San, Selangor DAP Secretary & ADUN for Kampung Tunku