Why do detainees have to suffer mentally, emotionally, intellectually and sometimes even physically before their day in court, wonders JD Lovrenciear.
Recent news reports of those held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma) describing their experience in detention have been chilling.
If these accounts have any truth, it is unthinkable that our detention cells and interrogation techniques are reminiscent of the horror stories we used to read in libraries as schoolchildren.
Despite all the proclamations of becoming a developed nation by 2020 – a target that has moved now, with the year 2020 just weeks away – we still hear stories that remind us of the atrocities during the Dark Ages.
Who will take final responsibility for this state of affairs? Or shall we counter by saying the detainees fabricated these tall tales?
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If what they claim is true, why must they be punished mentally, emotionally, intellectually and sometimes even physically before the courts can deliver their verdicts?
Lest we forget, the black eye inflicted on Anwar Ibrahim during his detention without trial in 1998 is evidence that cannot be erased. If it could happen to the then deputy prime minister, what more ordinary people.
Malaysians have much soul searching to do if we are serious about attaining developed nation status.
Sad. Very sad.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
