http://dapmalaysia.org  

We call on the Malaysian Government to review all laws against terrorism and subversion and to promulgate a just law to replace the Internal Security Act (ISA)

 


Press Conference Statement
-
on the release of three of the ISA detainees
by Dr Tan Seng Giaw

(Kuala Lumpur, Thursday):  We welcome the release of Tian Chua, Shaari Sungib and Hishamuddin Rais. They had been detained under ISA in Kamunting for two years.

 In 1987, 107 of us were detained under Operation Lalang. I was released on 3 June, 1988. In the past 15 years, I have not changed. The Government continues to use ISA to detain people. There is old wine in new bottle.

 In my book on Operation Lalang, The First 60 Days, I have said: “There is a need to continue to raise the world’s consciousness about human rights violation and the pain of people who suffer from governmental abuse. Many people have the core of anger at all forms of injustice. Let us hope that human dignity will always triumph over tyranny and suffering.”

 DAP maintains a peaceful and constitutional struggle, abhorring violence and terrorism. We continue to speak out on human rights, raising the consciousness of the world.

 ISA detainees go to Kamunting University, the second type of university. After graduation, the ex-detainees should carry on with peaceful methods to fight for a fairer system.

 The country faces terrorists and subversives. We must fight them. But, the Government must review the existing laws against them and promulgate a fairer law to replace ISA. ISA is against Communists. We are not Communists. We want to get rid of terrorists and subversives.

 Last week, Ang San Su Kyi was again detained by the Myanma junta. This is against human rights. The Malaysian Government must try its best to secure her release.  Let us stand firm, upholding human rights and struggling for a more just system.

(5/6/2003)


* Dr Tan Seng Giaw, DAP National Vice Chairman, MP for Kepong