ISA and Burma

[altsean@xxxxxxxxxx]

FROM SUARAM MALAYSIA (via altsean@xxxxxxxxxx)

Press Statement: 30th May 1997

Repeal ISA, Not Amend!

The proposed amendments to the Internal Security Act (ISA) which calls for
flexibility on the length of (illegal) detention by the authorities is
nothing but a farce, says Elizabeth Wong coordinator of the human rights
organisation, SUARAM. 

SUARAM strongly believes that if the review had been thoroughly done, one
would have concluded that the ISA is unnecessary. "The only thing that
should be done to the ISA is to repeal it. The flexibility issue is a
non-issue as the home minister has the absolute power to determine the
length of detention."

SUARAM questions the need and wisdom to continue the ISA. About 50
organisations in Malaysia have signed the Malaysian Human Rights Charter
which calls for the repeal of ISA. These organisations maintain that
detention without trial is a violation of constitution rights of Malaysian
citizens.

"People should not be detained for even a day if they are not proven guilty
in court." said Wong.

On another note, SUARAM strongly condemns the inclusion of Burma into ASEAN.
"Tomorrow's meeting of the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN in Kuala Lumpur will
accept Burma's membership; this despite local and international protests.
This clearly shows that ASEAN places economic interests above human rights.
It is not surprising that such a decision has been made because ASEAN itself
is a clique of dictators in the region."


Released by: 


Elizabeth Wong
Coordinator
SUARAM