Release of ISA detainees
On the eve of this festive season, the Muslim Professionals Forum welcomes the news of the release of 7 ISA detainees who are allegedly members of terrorist groups KMM and JI. We congratulate the home minister, also the prime minister of Malaysia for taking this bold albeit late decision. However, we urge the government to go further and release the remaining detainees or charge them in an open court.

The ISA has robbed men like Nik Adli and his colleagues 5 years of their life without their guilt ever been proven, and their young families have been subjected to untold anguish, uncertainties, financial difficulties and even shame which they do not at all deserve. Nothing can ever compensate them.

Except in the most extenuating circumstances (and under strict judicial review) this archaic legislation is against the Islamic principles of justice and the rule of law.

One question that remains in the people’s minds on the detention of these alleged terror groups members is whether we have violated the fundamental rights of a few of our Muslim citizens at the behest of a foreign power in this hyped up war on “Islamic terrorism”.

Justice and accountability, and an honest commitment to the upholding of Islam within the limits of Malaysian democracy is the only way to prevent religion from being exploited by marginal individuals with an extremist bent. And within the context of Malaysia this is an insignificant problem that can be easily handled by our security and justice system.

We wish all Muslims Selamat Hari Raya and Happy Deepavali to our Hindu friends.

Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Chairman
Muslim Professionals Forum
Suite 1810, 18th Floor, Plaza Permata,
Jalan Kampar,
Kuala Lumpur 50400
Tel : 03-40427139