MPF 2ND PRESS RELEASE – ISA ARRESTS
20th September 2008

The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) welcomes the release of MP Theresa Kok from ISA detention. However the unrestrained chorus of thinly veiled threats to invoke the ISA by a cohort of political leaders that include members of the cabinet is a very disturbing development.

It is not difficult for the ordinary citizens to see this as a deliberate, if not orchestrated attempt to cast a climate of fear and intimidation in the Malaysian political ambience.

That such a development continues despite the resignation of senator Zaid Ibrahim as de facto law minister, open disagreement of UMNO’s major allies in Barisan Nasional and widespread criticisms from civil society groups gives credence to the long held belief that the ISA is an indispensable tool to be wielded by the executive whenever its cling to power is under threat, hence the reluctance to repeal it.

It is unfortunate that UMNO with its illustrious history in the struggle for independence and nation building is today reduced, in the eyes of the rakyat, to a cornered beast.

We urge leaders of the ruling party, especially members of the cabinet to act more responsibly in carrying out the mandate to govern the country.

As has been repeatedly pointed out by many, the ISA is a gross violation of fundamental human rights, anti-democratic and inimical to the principles of justice in Islam.

Board of Directors
Muslim Professionals Forum

Dr. Mazeni Alwi
Dr. Shaikh Johari Bux
Haji Mohamed Ali Ghazali
Dato’ Dr. Musa Mohd. Nordin