REVIVING THE NIGHTMARE OF OPERATION LALLANG?

Aliran is alarmed at the spate of arrests under the Internal Security Act in recent days. So far, 18 Malaysians* have reportedly been held under this harsh law, which allows for indefinite detention without trial.

Those held were said to be involved in ‘deviationist teachings’ and “were becoming more aggresive and violent before their arrests.” Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Dr Abdul Hamid Othman said “as they were moving towards violence, there was a need to curb their activities.’’ Other reports said those detained were held on suspicion of spreading Islamic Shiíte teachings, which apparently conflicted with those of the Sunnah practised by Muslims in Malaysia.

Aliran calls on the government to charge those detained in court if it has proof that they were involved in violent activities. Islam, like all other religions, upholds freedom of religion and insists on justice for all individuals. It is ironic that the ISA is apparently being used to protect Islam when that same law goes against the core of the religion. The ISA denies justice to the accused, and this violates the concept of justice espoused by Islam and all other spiritual faiths. This is what makes the ISA an immoral and evil law.

If the so-called offences are related to the Islamic faith, why haven’t the accused been charged in the Shariah courts? Is it because the Shariah courts would demand more stringent evidence, which the government is unable to provide, for their alleged ‘deviationist teachings’?

The recent detentions have come just over a week after human rights workers and political activists observed the 10th anniversary of Operation Lallang on 27  October. In 1987, 106 Malaysians were detained in an ISA crackdown against dissident voices - an indelible blot in the human rights record of Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad’s administration.

One wonders if the recent ISA arrests is a prelude to a larger crackdown that will include Malaysians of other ethnic and religious backgrounds who have been critical of official policies.

Aliran calls on the Malaysian Government to respect the basic human rights of its citizens. Those held should be immediately released or charged in an open court.
 

Dr Ariffin Omar
Executive Committee Member
7 November 1997

* The local media subsequently reported the figure as 10.