Aliran Media Statement

Latest ISA detention a mockery of the police's new "people friendly" approach

Aliran calls upon the government to immediately and unconditionally release computer expert Shararudin Abdul Kadir, who is said to be supportive of sacked deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim and the reformasi movement.

Shaharudin is believed to have been detained by the police under the draconian Internal Security Act on 12 February 1999 - an action that certainly runs counter to the recent, much-hyped "people-friendly" slogan of the Home Ministry.

As in the past, we urge the government to bring all ISA detainees such as Shaharudin to court should it have evidence of their alleged wrongdoing. Otherwise, Shaharudin should be released immediately so that his democratic rights as a Malaysian citizen are not trampled upon.

Unless such democratic conventions are adhered to closely, no amount of public relations can salvage the bruised image of the police force and the Home Ministry.

Finally, Shaharudin's detention only makes a mockery of the government's professed commitment to providing more space for intellectual and political freedom.

Aliran Executive Committee
23 February 1999