"Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) and Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) strongly condemn the new arrest under the ISA, allegedly for being involved in a subversive movement," said the organisations in a statement today.
The NGOs claim that the 42-year old Kadir bin Hashim was arrested yesterday by special branch officers under Section 73 (1) of Internal Security Act (ISA).
They cited family members who related that Kadir is a disabled citizen whose place of business is in Kampung Kerinchi, Kuala Lumpur.
Kadir, who is an activist, is also a member of the local PKR youth branch.
Questioning why the government invoked ISA against Kadir, they also expressed concern over his condition and safety.
"We urge the government to allow lawyers and the family to visit Kadir bin Hashim immediately," they said.
ISA abuse cry rings out again
GMI and Suaram alleged that the incident proved that the arbitrary law has been abused under the pretext of national security for political reasons.
"We urge the government to charge the said detainee in open court; otherwise, he should be released without any delay and unconditionally," the NGOs added.
Both NGOs maintain that they value the security of the country but believe that everyone is entitled to a fair trial, a right that should not be taken away whatever the pretext.
Section 73(1) Internal Security Act 1960 allows any police officer without warrant to arrest and detain a person, pending investigations, of whom he reasonably suspects has acted or will act in any manner "prejudicial to the security of Malaysia or any part thereof or to maintenance of essential services therein or to the economic life thereof".
NGOs and civil society have cried foul over such "draconian" provisions which they say deprive a person of their liberty and the right to a fair trial before the courts
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