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Release of reformasi activists: DAP calls for a full parliamentary debate for the repeal of the ISA Press Statement by Kerk Kim Hock (Petaling Jaya, Monday): The release of the 4 reformasi activists under the ISA came as a surprise as despite the fact that there was no reason whatsoever for  their continued detention, right till the last minute,  there was no clear indication that the authorities were going to do what was right and necessary.  The detention without trial of Tian Chua, Mohd Ezzam Nor, Saari Sungib and Hishammuddin Rais under the draconian ISA two years ago was an unacceptable act aimed at stifling political dissent. The failure of the authorities to unconditionally release them following the last September Federal Court’s decision was double injustice to them.  The Federal Court had unanimously decided that the Police had acted mala fide in their initial ISA detention.  Although the Deputy Home Minister Datuk Zainal Abidin Zin had, on various occasions in the Parliament, tried to justify  their continued detention by claiming that their detention was under the Ministerial Order under section 8 of the ISA and not police detention under section 73, it was obvious to all that he was trying to defend the indefensible.  I hereby reiterate the DAP Central Executive Committee’s calls for the unconditional release for the remaining reformasi activists as well a full parliamentary debate for the  repeal the draconian ISA. (2/6/2003) * Kerk Kim Hock, DAP Secretary General and MP for Kota Melaka