http://dapmalaysia.org  

Kamunting detention camp officers are urged to respect the human rights of the ISA detainees at the Kamunting detention camp Press Statement by Teresa Kok (Kuala Lumpur, Tuesday): I regret and am appalled by the assault of Tian Chua at the Kamunting detention camp. About 30 officers at the Kamunting detention camp rushed into the dormitory of the detainees, slapped Tian Chua a couple of times and pushed him to the ground and handcuffed him. After that, they handcuffed Hishamuddin Rais who came to help and placed him in solitary confinement for an hour. The assault on Tian Chua  and Hishamuddin not only reflected the abuse of power by the Kamunting detention camp officers but also raised the question about the ability of the Kamunting detention camp officers to manage the detainees. The detainees at the detention camp are detained due to political differences with the government and without going through the due process of law. They deserve better treatment from the Kamunting detention camp authority. I urge the Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi to investigate this unpleasant incident at the Kamunting detention camp. He should also  approve Tian Chua's request to  use a computer so that he can continue his PhD studies in the course of his detention. (13/5/2003) * Teresa Kok, DAP International Secretary and MP for Seputeh