ALIRAN
   Home     Aliran Monthly    Statements   Human Rights    NGOs   Links   Join Us   About Us   

Media Statement

"KMM" ISA Arrests: Prove Allegations in Open Court to win Public Confidence

isa Aliran is concerned that the Internal Security Act has once again been used to detain Malaysians without trial - this time, 13 people allegedly belonging to a new wing of the so-called Malaysian Mujahidin Group (KMM).

Serious allegations have been levelled against the 13, who are said to have taken instructions from two Indonesians (now alleged to be on the run) from the so-called Indonesia Militant Group. One of the 13 is alleged to have links with Al-Qaeda. Police say they are also checking alleged links with cells in neighbouring countries.

The 13 detained are:

  • Yazid Sufaat, 37, Businessman, Kedah, detained 9 Dec 2001
  • Mohd Sha Sarijan, 48, Manager, Selangor, 29 Dec 2001
  • Abu Samad Shukri Mohd , 42, Accountant, Selangor, 29 Dec 2001
  • Ahd Sajuli Abd Rahman @ Fadlul Ahmad, 39, Businessman, KL, 29 Dec 2001
  • Ahmad Yani Ismail, 33, Bank Officer, Kuala Lumpur, 29 Dec 2001
  • Abd Razak Baharuddin, 42, Headmaster, Selangor, 29 Dec 2001
  • Suhaimi Mokhtar , 36, Businessman, Kuala Lumpur, 29 Dec 2001
  • Shukry Omar Talib @ Shukry Omar , 34, Businessman, Selangor, 1 Jan 2002
  • Shah Rial Sirin @ Syah Rial Sirin , 38, Taxi driver, Selangor, 2 Jan 2002
  • Mohamad Faiq Hafidh, 43, Businessman, Selangor, 2 Jan 2002
  • Dr Abdullah Daud , 47, Lecturer, Johor, 3 Jan 2002
  • Muhamad Ismail Anuwarul, 41, Taxi driver, Johor, 3 Jan 2002
  • Shahril Hat, 23, Teacher, Johor, 3 Jan 2002
Malaysians are entitled to see what kind of evidence the police have against these individuals and whether it can stand up in an open court of law. Without an independent trial in court, these allegations will only raise alarm and fear. They may even scare away much-needed investors and tourists in the same way that the Sun's controversial Dec 25 frontpage story "Plot to Kill the PM" was said to have done.

So far, the United States has been pushing the theory of an international terrorist network in South-East Asia. It appears that the Malaysian government subscribes to this theory. If indeed the problem is as serious as it is made out to be and there is indeed such a terrorist network, then it can only be defeated if the government wins the hearts and minds of the people. But for the government to gain public confidence, it has to present evidence to support its allegations in open court. Such evidence should go beyond the level of the sweeping allegations spouted in the international and regional media.

We recall that when reformasi activists were detained under the ISA in April 2001, the authorities alleged that they were planning to topple the government using militant means. Yet, in all cases that we are aware of, none of the detainees was interrogated about these allegations and no evidence to support these allegations has been provided to the public.

One also wonders if the timing of the latest arrests has anything to do with the Jan 19 by-election in Indera Kayangan in Perlis, where about half the electorate are non-Muslims.

Aliran urges the police to charge the 13 individuals in court if they have evidence of their involvement in terrorist groups. Otherwise, they should be released immediately and unconditionally.

Aliran Executive Committee
5 January 2002