Editor's Note - Issue 2003: 6

This month�s cover story is about the forthcoming 11th General Election. The various articles on this theme were first presented in a Roundable which was held in the School of Social Sciences, USM, Penang on 27 June 2003. It was held in conjunction with the launch of the book New Politics in Malaysia edited by Francis Loh and Johan Saravamuttu. Most of the people who spoke at the Roundtable had also contributed to New Politics. These articles based on 10-minute presentations have been revised for publication in this month�s AM.

In the back cover story Anil Netto recounts vividly the talks by Hishamuddin Rais, Saari Sanguib and Tian Chua held in Rumah Aliran soon after their release from ISA detention. �Do not fear this Law� but be forewarned of their mind games they tell us. And they reminded us to continue to campaign for the repeal of the ISA. Many �faceless� detainees were still being held.

Prema Devaraj raises the question whether capital punishment is justified arguing that mistakes had been made and innocent people will be killed.

The �Thinking Allowed� section takes the form of a special Aliran dedication to the Instant Cafe Theatre, to its talented actors and courageous defenders of the freedom of expression.