The ISA in Malaysia - Pt. I

UPDATES from the blogs/newsportals:-

Sapp pulls out of UMNO-led Barisan Nasional

Sapp pulls out of BN; Blogger Kickdefella detained

Najib handed the "cookie jar". Pak lah is playing defence.
(no offence intended).
Beh Li Yi | Sep 17, 08 2:16pm BREAKING NEWS! updated 3pm

The prime minister says his deputy Najib Abdul Razak will take over as finance minister with immediate effect.

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*(Speculative) ==>HORRORS!! - Mr "wayar putuih" (aka Nazri) for Law - again????
==> KJ to challenge Madey Jr. & Toyol in "Chief Young Turd" contest?

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**The Following is a Paper by Mr. Wong Hon Wai, entitled
The role of fundamental liberties in the evolution of Malaysia as a democratic society.
Since it may be too long to be read and understood, I have split it up into 3 parts.

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Seed of Democracy

After World War II, the British planted the seed of democracy in Malaya. In 1955, Malayans were empowered to elect their representatives to the Federal Legislative Council. Two years later, Malayans were granted the right for self-determination and thus the Federation of Malaya became an independent sovereign country. Malaysia as a political entity came into being on 16^th September 1963 by federating the Federation of Malaya with Sabah, Sarawak and Singapore. However, in 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia.

Throughout the history of Malaysia, there is a continuity of parliamentary democracy with regular election being held except during the aftermath of 1969 racial riots, which democracy was pronounced dead and parliament was suspended from 15 May 1969 until 20 Feb 1971. [1]

It is beyond dispute that democratic system is the preferred system for Malaysians as it provides the only long-term basis for managing competing racial, religious and cultural interests in a way that minimizes the risk of violent internal conflict within a plural society.

In 1991, the Prime Minister YAB Dato’ Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad in a working paper presented to the Malaysian Business council, unveiled the national aspiration plan called Vision 2020[2]. Vision 2020 is about the aim that Malaysia becomes a fully developed country by the year 2020. There are 9 challenges documented in the working paper. The third challenge is fostering and developing a mature democratic society. In order to achieve these common goals, Malaysia has to benchmark its democratic system with the others fully developed countries.

Democracy is more than the ritual casting of a ballot at multi-party elections. True democracy involves participation by the people at all levels so that they have a voice in the discussions and decisions by which they are governed. But democracy must not only govern the political process, it should pervade all sphere of society, including economic and social life.

As Malaysia develops and its citizens becomes better educated and more sophisticated, the demand for civil and political rights has become louder. For increasingly larger segments of Malaysian society, a full stomach is no longer enough. The barometer for a mature democratic society is measured by the fundamental liberty enjoys by its peoples.

Fundamental Liberties Guaranteed by the Written Constitution

There are nine rights regarded as fundamental in the Malaysian Constitution (Federal Constitution) namely liberty of the person (Article 5); freedom from slavery and forced labour (Article 6); protection against retrospective criminal laws and repeated trials (Article 7); equality (Article 8); prohibition of banishment and freedom of movement (Article 9); freedom of speech, assembly and association (Article 10); freedom of religion (Article 11); rights in respect of education (Article 12) and rights to property (Article 13).

According to Dr Shad S Faruqi[3], there are 4 categories of restriction on fundamental liberties in the Federal Constitution namely:

1. Restrictions may be imposed by ordinary legislation enacted under the authority of the constitutional provision conferring the right
2. Fundamental rights may be curtailed by legislation against subversion.
3. Legislation to combat an emergency may suspend all fundamental rights except freedom of religion
4. Constitutional amendments may be enacted to curtail or abolish a right guaranteed by the basic law

Within the above context, the following analysis is to identify the restrictions and look into proposal to overcome them.

1. Restrictions by ordinary legislation enacted under the authority of the constitutional provision conferring the right

An examination of the constitutional provisions would disclose that there are two types of rights namely absolute rights and qualified rights. Absolute rights are those without restriction or qualification. Qualified rights refer to the provisions concerned permit laws to curtail the exercise of such rights under certain conditions. Take for instance, freedom from slavery is an absolute rights guaranteed by the Federal Constitution. In the other hand, freedom of speech is a qualified right.

Although Article 10(1)(a) grants to all citizens the right to freedom of speech and expression, Parliament may under Article 10(2) by law restrict this right under 9 grounds namely security of the Federation, friendly relations with other countries, public order, morality, privileges of Parliament, privileges of Legislative Assembly, contempt of court, defamation and incitement to any offence.

As compare to the First Amendment in the Constitution of the United States of America (USA), Article 10(1)(a) of Federal Constitution is too restrictive. The First Amendment stipulated that among other things USA Congress should make no law prohibiting the free exercise or abridging the freedom of speech.[4] As what Harding concluded Article 10 is remarkable for what it takes away rather than for what it gives. [5]

The idea that restrictions are sometimes necessary on political rights is common place in others jurisdiction. However, Article 10 fails to place any real restrictions on the restrictions. They are widely drafted that in practice there are likely to be very few possible restrictions which could not be said to come within the kinds of restriction permitted by Article 10, especially as there is nothing in Article 10 to suggest that the courts have any right to review the necessity of legislation restricting one of these rights.

In Madhavan Nair v PP [1975] 2 MLJ 264: The Malaysian High Court had declared that the use of subjective words in article 10(2) like “necessary or expedient” rendered it not within the competency of the courts to question the necessity or expediency of the legislative provision.

In India, there is a judicial requirement that derogating pieces of legislation must be “reasonable restriction” (Article 19(2) of the Indian Constitution). Indian Constitution requires that the restrictions, even if within the limits prescribed, must be reasonable and the court would be under a duty to decide on its reasonableness.

According to Article 10 of European Convention on Human Rights, the Parliament of member states are allow to restrict political rights only so far as is compatible with the requirements of a democratic society.

With regard to Malaysia, when infringement of the right is alleged, the scope of the court’s inquiry is limited to the question whether the impugned law comes within the orbit of the permitted restriction. There would be no substantive challenge to these laws even if they were overly harsh or unreasonable.[6] Prima facie, this would seem to indicate that so long as parliament fulfilled all the procedural requirements in the passage of laws restricting free speech

The position in India and European Community is preferred, as it has allowed the judiciary to scrutinise the enabling provision of the constitution on the grounds of reasonableness and compatibility of a democratic society respectively.

2. Fundamental rights curtailed by legislation against subversion.

Powers against subversion under Article 149 Federal Constitution has curtailed the practical operation of fundamental rights. This provision also introduced the broad notions of national security into Malaysia. Legislations enacted under Article 149 may be inconsistent with liberty of the person (Article 5); freedom of movement (Article 9); freedom of speech, assembly and association (Article 10) and rights to property (Article 13) and yet remain constitutionally valid.

Article 149 of the 1957 Constitution (Merdeka Constitution) has a clause that such laws would automatically lapsed upon the expiration of one year from the date on which they came into operation. However the sunset provision was removed in the Constitution Amendment Act 1960 and the position now is such laws would continue to exist indefinitely, unless both Houses of Parliament passed resolutions annulling them.

One of the examples of such legislation is the Internal Security Act 1960. (ISA). ISA permits the Executive to detain suspects without the filing of formal charges. During the 1960s, ISA was intended to deal with the threat of communist. However, in the case of Theresa Lim Chin Chin v Inspector-General of Police [1988] 1 MLJ 293: The court ruled that ISA is valid and from the wording of the provision of the Act there is nothing to show that it is restricted to communist activities. It was held that Art 149 was not confined to the communist insurgency.

Since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Centre Twin Towers in New York City on September 11, 2001, United State of America (USA) has introduced the Patriot Act 2001. [7] This Act empowered the Attorney General to sign detention order to detain without trial. As both ISA and Patriot Act is the law on preventive detention, it will be interesting to make a comparison.

The following table summarised the difference between these two legislations.

Name	Malaysia Internal Security Act 1960	USA Patriot Act 2001
Purpose	To provide for the internal security of Malaysia, preventive detention, the prevention of subversion, the suppression of organised violence against persons and property in specified areas of Malaysia, and for matters incidental thereto.	To deter and punish terrorist acts in the United States and around the world, to enhance law enforcement investigatory tools, and for other purposes
Applicability	Applicable to all persons. (Both citizens and non-citizens)	Applicable to alien (Non-US citizens only).
Judicial Review	Judicial review is restricted. Section 8B and 8C severely limit the court’s ability to inquire into the legality of a detention except on questions of compliance with procedures.	Judicial review in terms of habeas corpus proceedings is provided by the Act.
Detention period	Section 73 allows the police to detain for 60 days any person who may act "in a manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia." The Home Minister may authorize indefinite detention renewable every two years ad infinitum.	The Act allows 7 days detention after which he AG should initiate deportation proceedings, press charges or otherwise release the detainee. There is provision provided for the person to be detained for up to six months. The Court ruled that Attorney General is authorized to detain aliens as long as removal is reasonably foreseeable. [8]
Restricted conditions after released	Those released before the end of their detention period are subject to "imposed restricted conditions" for the remainder of their detention periods. These conditions limited their rights to freedom of speech, association, and travel outside the country	Either deportation or let free. No restricted conditions after released.
Report to Parliament	No equivalent provisions.	Every 6 months, the Attorney General shall submit a report to the Committee on the Judiciary of the House of Representatives and the Senate, with respect to the reporting period, the details of the detainees and the grounds for the detention.
Review	The Advisory Board shall review the detention every 2 years.	The Attorney General shall review the detention every 6 months
Sunset Provision	No equivalent provisions	The Act shall cease to have effect on Dec 31, 2005.

Table 1: Comparison analysis of Malaysia ISA and USA Patriot Act

The ISA in Malaysia - Pt. II

3. Legislation to combat an emergency may suspend all fundamental rights except freedom of religion

Article 150 of the Federal Constitution gives extraordinary powers to the Executive to act when a State of Emergency is declared. Any Act enacted under Article 150 need not comply with all fundamental liberties except related to religion (Article 150(6)(a)) and continues in force indefinitely until parliament otherwise determines, whether or not the circumstances giving rise to the emergency have terminated.

In the 1957 Merdeka Constitution, a proclamation of emergency and laws passed during such an Emergency shall cease to be in force at the expiration of two months from the date of proclamation. They would only continue to have force if they have been approved by a resolution of each House of Parliament before the expiry of the specified period. Such sunset provision was meant to prevent abuses by the Executive.

However, the Constitution Amendment Act 1960 removed this highly desirable protective mechanism by providing that neither the Proclamation of Emergency nor the laws passed automatically lapse after two months. Instead, they remain in force indefinitely, until both Houses of Parliament pass annulling resolutions [9]

As the consequences of this 1960 amendment, there are 4 proclamations of Emergency that are still valid and in force today as none of them had been revoked or annulled [10].

The 4 proclamation of Emergency are

1. Indonesian Confrontation (1964)
2. Political crisis in Sarawak only (1966)
3. Racial riot (1969)
   
4. Political crisis in Kelantan only (1977)

In the Constitution (Amendment) Act 1981, a new Clause (8) was inserted to Article 150, which provides that the Courts have no jurisdiction to entertain any application to challenge any State of Emergency proclaimed by His majesty and any laws made there under – thus all questions concerning emergency powers would be left to the absolute discretion of the Executive.

This 1981 amendment effectively places the action to invoke the emergency powers beyond judicial review.

The combine effects of 1960 and 1981 amendments substantially and extensively infringed upon fundamental concepts underlying the 1957 Merdeka Constitution. These amendments all worked to the detriment of the individual and to the benefit of the Executive.

Unrestrained invocation of emergency powers poses a threat to the rule of law and democracy in Malaysia. Lim Kit Siang, the then Parliament Opposition Leader, proposed a review of the exercise of the emergency powers under Article 150 and the formulation against abuses of emergency powers. [11] His proposals are as following:

• The effects of states of emergency on the rights of citizens and the powers of the various branches of government should be clearly spelt out.

• The constitution should enumerate and define the situations, which justify departure from the normal order. There should be separate provisions to distinguish between war with foreign enemies and internal disturbances.

• The duration of states of emergency should be specified. Review of the need for emergency occurs at regular intervals.

• The procedure for declaring a state of emergency must be constitutionally defined, giving primary responsibility to legislature.

It is submitted the Federal Constitution, providing that emergency legislation can be inconsistent with any provision of the constitution except those concerning religion, citizenship and language is wholly incompatible with the contemporary international standard. A detail review should be carried out to protect the fundamental liberties of the citizens during emergency period.

4. Constitutional amendments may be enacted to curtail or abolish a right guaranteed by the basic law

The constitutional guarantees of fundamental liberties are also not entrenched in that they are protected from the amending powers of Parliament. It is technically possible under Article 159 of Federal Constitution for fundamental liberty provisions to be altered, restricted or even done away with by two-third-majority vote in a constitutional amendment.

However, the Indian Supreme Court thought otherwise. In the Indian case of Kesavanand Bharai v The State of Kerala A.I.R. 1973 SC 1461: Supreme Court of India had to consider the scope and extent of the power to amend the Indian Constitution whether certain provisions can be corroded by the Parliament thru the process of constitutional amendment. The court ruled that the doctrine of basic structure is effective in the Indian Constitution. The basic structure of Indian Constitution said to consist of the following features.

· Supremacy of the constitution
· Republican and democratic forms of Government
· Secular nature of the constitution
· Separation of power between legislative, executive, judiciary · Federal character of the constitution

.Every provision of the Indian constitution can be amended provided the basic foundation and structure of the constitution remains the same

In favour of this doctrine, it can be said that it provides an insurance against legislative over exuberance. It safeguards the basic structure and value of the constitution against the power of transient political majorities.

In Loh Kooi Choon v Government of Malaysia [1977] 2 MLJ 187, Federal Court declined to follow the Kesavanand doctrine and held that fundamental rights enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution were not inviolate and could be amended by Parliament.

The courts’ reluctance to follow Indian case on civil liberties and constitutional law, which have resulted in lesser rights being enjoyed by a Malaysian citizens than Indian citizens.

Tommy Thomas [12] advocated for the concept of “Basic Structure” to be applied in Malaysia. He argued that the acceptance is the only way for the courts to live up to its constitutional duties in preserving and protecting the Constitution in the face of the numerous constitutional amendments by parliament and the frequent use of Emergency Powers by the Executive.

It may be useful to recall what Justice Jackson said in the case of West Virginia State Board of Education v Barnette 319 US 624: “The very purpose of a Bill of Rights was to withdraw certain subjects from the vicissitudes of political controversy, to place them beyond the reach of majorities and officials, to establish them as legal principles to be applied by the Courts. One’s right to life, liberty and property, to free speech, a free press, freedom of worship and assembly and other fundamental rights may not be submitted to vote; they depend on the outcome of no elections.

Judicial interpretation on the Fundamental Liberties

As the Federal Constitution with a chapter on fundamental liberties, the judiciary has been given the vital role of reconciling the conflicting demands between the fundamental liberties of the citizens and responsibilities of the State. Violation of the fundamental liberties enshrined in the Federal Constitution can be remedied in the Courts through writ of habeas corpus, mandamus, certiorari and others.

Tun Suffian in Re Datuk James Wong Kim Min [1976] 1 LNS 124 observed that “The laws affect the liberty of the subject and in the case of doubt or ambiguity, they should be interpreted against the authority and in favour of the citizen”.

Raja Azlan Shah declared in Pengarah Tanah & Galian, WP v Sri Lempah Enterprise Sdn Bhd [1978] 1 LNS 143: “Unfettered discretion is a contradiction in terms… Every legal power must have legal limits, otherwise there is dictatorship. The Courts are the only defence of the liberty of the subject against departmental aggression. In these days when government departments and public authorities have such great powers and influence, this is a most important safeguard for the citizen; so that the courts can see that these great poers and influence are exercised in accordance with law.”

The above statements reflect the bright side of liberal constitutional interpretation in favour of the peoples. However, the Courts tend to have different approach on interpreting the constitutional provisions. This can be seen from the survey of cases involving interpretation on the meaning of “life” and habeas corpus proceedings.

The Meaning of “Life”

The Court of Appeal in Tan Tek Seng v Suruhanjaya Perkhidmatan Pendidikan & Anor [1996] 2 CLJ 771, Gopal Sri Ram JCA said: “The expression “life” appearing in Article 5(1) does not refer to mere existence. It incorporates all those facets that are an integral part of life itself and those matters that go to form the quality of life. Of these are the rights to seek and be engaged in lawful and gainful employment and to receive those benefits that our society has to offer to its members. It includes the right to live in a reasonably healthy and pollution free environment. The judgement of the right to life incorporates right to livelihood. “

However, in Pihak Berkuasa Negeri Sabah v Sugumar Balakrishnan [2002] 4 CLJ 105, the Federal Court disagreed with the interpretation of Tan Tek Seng and viewed that the matters which form the quality of life has been enshrined in the Part II of Federal Constitution under the heading of Fundamental Liberties.

In short, Court of Appeal in Tan Tek Seng has expanded the meaning of “life” in Article 5(1). However, Federal Court in Sugumar reversed the liberal trend set by Tan Tek Seng and have used a restrictive approach in interpreting the provision. In Sugumar case, the judgement is in favour to the State but it is the opposite for Tan Tek Seng.

Habeas Corpus Proceedings

In the case of Abdul Ghani Haroon v Ketua Polis Negara & Another [2001] 3 CLJ 606, Justice Dato Hishamuddin Yunus granted the habeas corpus application. The court used the inherent powers – s25(2) of the Courts of the Judicature Act 1964 read with Para 1 of the Schedule of the same act – to make a further order that the police be restrained from rearresting the applicants at least for a period of 24 hours. Dato Hishamuddin said: “Due to heavy presence of police personnel, should rearrest immediately occur, that would have been a grave injustice. Such an action on the part of the police would make a mockery not only of my judgement, which I had delivered, but also of the whole habeas corpus proceeding and of the constitutional guarantees under art 5 of the Constitution.“

This judgement reflects the judicial creativity in interpreting the provisions of the legislation. This is the landmark judgement in which first time a further order of 24 hours no-rearrest assurance was made. Prior to this judgement, even one succeeded in the habeas corpus application may not taste the fruit of the judgement long enough. For instance, a politician cum lawyer Karpal Singh was rearrested at a roadblock while he was on his way home to Penang with his family nine hours after obtaining the writ of habeas corpus from the High Court of Ipoh in 1988.[13]

Expansion of the Constitution’s scope

The Malaysian court is more notable for its conservatism than activism. Malaysian judges should in future play a more activist role in carrying out their constitutional functions. They should adopt a purposive, liberal and broad view of constitutional rights and concepts.

It is submitted that the Court should expand, not limit the Constitution’s scope. The provisions on fundamental liberties must be interpreted in such a way that is promotes democracy and fairness.

International law on Human Rights

In 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted as a “common standard of achievement for all peoples and all nations”. Today, the UDHR has been supplemented by a vast array of international standards. Of the 25 major international human rights instruments, Malaysia has ratified only five namely [14] :

• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women
• Convention on the Rights of the Child
• Convention on the Nationality o married Women
• Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of GenocideSupplementary
  
• Convention on the Abolishment of Slavery, the Slave Trade and Institutions and Practices similar to Slavery

Malaysia has yet to ratified two important instruments namely

• International Covenant on Economic, Social and cultural rights (ICESCR)
• International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

Both ICESCR and ICCPR have come into effect in the year of 1976. Calls for ratification has been made by numerous quarters including the Parliament opposition leader who moved a Parliament motion in 1976[15] and by Malaysia Human Rights Commission in its year 2000 Annual Report. [16]

As of 1 April 1999, there are 141 countries out of 195 countries in the United Nations ratified ICESCR, 144 for ICCPR [17].

It is submitted the Government of Malaysia should take initiative to ratify the ICESCR and ICCPR and ensure the domestic law compliance with the conventions. In the age of globalisation, the international law on human rights is becoming increasingly relevant. Ratifying these two covenants will promote human rights and avoid the recurring violation of fundamental liberties in Malayisa. This will enhance Malaysia international reputation and in line with the national aspiration Vision 2020 to achieve a mature democratic society.

The ISA in Malaysia - Pt. III

Interface between Malaysian law and International law relating to Fundamental liberties

In the formation years of United Nations (UN), many countries including Malaysia shielded behind article 2(7) of UN Charter in arguing that any other human rights matter was strictly an internal affair. There are also arguments that fundamental liberties are already enshrined in the Article 5 to 13 of Federal Constitution, thus it is not necessary for Malaysia to ratify the international conventions.

As time passed by, this argument receives very little credence from the international community. Now, the human rights track record of a nation is usually measured by which conventions has the country signed and the extent to which the domestic legislation has incorporated the international human rights instruments promulgated by the UN.

The Supreme Court has ruled in the case Merdeka University Berhad v Government of Malaysia [1981] CLJ 175 that 1948 UN Declaration of Human Rights was a non legally binding instrument.

This is reaffirmed by the Federal Court in a recent case Mohamad Ezam Mohd Noor v Ketua Polis Negara & Others [2002]4 CLJ 309. Siti Norma Yaakob FCJ when invited to determine the extent and scope of Article 5(3) of Federal Constitution with regard to international standard namely Universal Declaration 1948, Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners and the Body of Principles for the Protection of All Persons under any form of Detention or Imprisonment ruled that the position is not changed by virtue of s4 (4) of Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999[18]. The Federal Court ruled that principles are only declaratory in nature and do not have the force of law or binding on member states. For the two rules, the court said that there are Malaysian statutes on the subject matter and it is no necessity to resort to the international rules.

The Federal Court ruling reflects the current law. In Malaysia, international law does not have any legal force because the definition of law in Article 160(2) Federal Constitution does not encompass international law.[19]

Dr Shad S Faruqi [20] has called for the amendment of The Interpretation Act 1948/1967 to provide for a rule of construction that national legislation should be interpreted as far as possible to accord with Malaysia’s obligations under international law.

It is submitted that Article 160(2) Federal Constitution and S4 (4) Of Human Rights Commission Act 1999 also be amended to include international conventions that Malaysia has signed and ratified.
The proposed amendments will arms the judiciary with the tools to interpret the national law with regards to international conventions that Malaysia has ratified.

Such a rule of construction will have positive implications in the maturity of democracy system and the protection of fundamental liberties.

Moving Forwards
It requires an entire constitutional rethink in order for Malaysian to enjoy the equivalent fundamental liberties on par with the others in the mature democratic and developed countries.

Constitutional Amendment Act 2001 (2), which included the word “gender” as a prohibited ground for discrimination, has broaden the concept of equality in the Federal Constitution. This is a move in the right direction.

The Executive should take up the Suhakam’s proposal on a National Human Rights Plan of Action[21]. Such plan will help to put the human rights improvement agenda in the radar screen of policy maker.

As time passed by, new needs arise. For instance, right to personal privacy to ensure that there is no misuse or abuse in the obtaining, holding and use of personal data is a fundamental liberties in the modern society.

It is perhaps timely to call upon the government to establish an Independent Royal Commission to review the Federal Constitution by benchmarking with the mature democratic nations and recommend fundamental changes to it which take into consideration new aspiration of Malaysians for a modern, democratic and developed nation.

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[1] Tun Mohamed Suffian, An Introduction to Constitution of Malaysia (Second Edition) 1976, page 228
[2] Vision 2020 http://www.smpke.jpm/main/vision.htm [3] Sunday Star, November 5, 2000.
[4] Constitution of USA – First Amendment http://supreme.lp.findlaw.com/constitution/amendment01
[5] Harding, A: Law, Government and the Constitution in Malaysia, Malayan Law Journal, 1996 page 189.
[6] Kevin Tan Yew Lee, Yeo Tiong Ming & Lee Kiat Seng Constitutional Law in Malaysia and Singapore, Malayan Law Journal, 1991 page 791
[7] Patriot Act 2001 http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawsregs/patriot.pdf [8] Zadvydas v Davis http://caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/cgi-bin/ getcase.pl? court= US&navby=case&vol=000&invol=99-7791
[9] Reflections on the Malaysian Constitution, Aliran, page 16.
[10] HP Lee Constitutional Conflicts in Contemporary Malaysia, Oxford University Press 1995, page 102
[11] Lim Kit Siang, Crisis of Identity, 1986 page 131 [12] Reflections on the Malaysian Constitution, Aliran, page 102
[13] The Real Reason – Operation Lallang ISA Arrests Oct 27 1987 published by Democratic Action Party, 1988. page 84
[14] Suhakam Annual Report 2000, page 14
[15] Lim Kit Siang, Time Bombs in Malaysia (Second Edition) 1978 page 17
[16] Suhakam Annual Report 2000, page 28
[17] Ibid, page 25
[18] The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam), an independent national human rights institution was established by Parliament under the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia Act 1999. Section 2 of Suhakam Act: defines “human rights” as referring to “fundamental liberties as enshrined in Part II of the Federal Constitution”. Section 4(4) provides that regard shall be had to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948 to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the Federal Constitution. This means that whatever rights and liberties not mentioned in Part II but referred to in the UDHR must be considered by Suhakam provided that there is no conflict with Constitution.
[19] Sunday Star October 15, 2000.
[20] Sunday Star, December 10, 2000.
[21] Suhakam Annual Report 2001, page 3

MMA - Where art thou???

HAPPY MALAYSIA DAY!!
History Of Malaysia
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“And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD,
choose you this day whom ye will serve; .....”
- Joshua 24:15

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

'The physician's role is always a political one,
whether physicians recognise it or not.
Even a decision to try to be "apolitical" is a political act; it permits others in society to make the decisions that profoundly affect
the health of the society without appropriate physician input. Since the doctor cannot claim to be apolitical,
the only question is what political role he or she will play. Will it be a role centred around short-run, self-serving demands or will it be a role centred around the health needs of the people and efforts to move society
and medicine in directions that will meet those needs?'
- Victor Siedel

"Doctors need to understand both the science of medicine and the societal context in which it is practised. Every aspect of health and health care has a political component. One must not confuse generic politics with partisan politics. While it would be wrong for the MMA to participate in partisan politics, it would also be morally wrong for the MMA to avert its eyes and not address government policies that affect the health and welfare of the community."
- Ronald McCoy
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


The following is from an earlier post on 02/11/07:


Political emasculation of a people is a very potent tool towards creation of an "orderly society", and "peaceful transition" of the power structure in a nation state.
One way or other, every nation with its own twists and turn in the constitution/ laws uses it for political expediency. Some are very open about it, some are more discrete and sophisticated.
The following is an article that I came across in the Malaysia Today archives, by sheer chance. I believe, the website was then called "Loony Malaysia" which was the predecessor to what it is today.
Speaking of "political double talk", not much has changed as far as all known politicians are concerned, local or foreign - everything is said and done for the sake of political expediency & convenience for the "man of the day".

I somehow believe that many more politicians (in many more nations), would in due time create the need for such a convenience, to help them enforce and "maintain law & order for the sake of greater security and progress of the nation".

Anyway, here it goes with regard to the much dreaded "ISA" of Malaysia ,(Article 149 of the 1957 Constitution (Merdeka Constitution) has a clause that such laws would automatically lapsed upon the expiration of one year from the date on which they came into operation. However the sunset provision was removed in the Constitution Amendment Act 1960 and the position now is such laws would continue to exist indefinitely, unless both Houses of Parliament passed resolutions annulling them.) as in this case.

(For those who aren't aware of what is stands for, please click here. And to compare it with the Patriot Act of the great US of A, click here.
For an interesting discussion and comparison on the two, click here & click here .)

..........................................................................................................

What follows is from Aliran:

Aliran's ISA Watch
List of known detainees as at 13 September 2008

Date of arrest	Current Status Current Status
Yazid Sufaat	Businessman, Kedah; alleged JI member	9 Dec 2001	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2002. Detention order extended in Jan 2004
Suhaimi Mokhtar	Businessman, Kuala Lumpur; alleged JI	29 Dec 2001	Sent to KDC on 22 Feb 2002. Detention order extended by two years in Feb 2004.
Dr Abdullah Daud	Geo-info Lecturer, UTM Johor; alleged JI member	3 Jan 2002	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2002. Detention order extended by another two years in Feb 2006.
Shamsuddin Sulaiman	Asst. Accountant, Health Ministry; former ITM student; alleged JI member	17 April 2002	Sent to KDC on 13 June 2002; Habeas corpus rejected on 17 Feb 2004; transferred to an undisclosed police remand centre in KL on 11 June 2004; detention order renewed on 12 June 2004
Mat Shah Mohd Satray	Technician, Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka, originally alleged to be KMM member, later alleged to be JI member	18 April 2002	Sent to KDC on 13 June 2002; transferred to an undisclosed police remand centre in KL on 11 June 2004; detention order renewed on 12 June 2004; Federal Court rejects habeas corpus appeal on 2 Feb 2005: files habeas corpus application in Aug 2006. Detention order extended again in June 2006 and yet again in June 2008.
Abdul Murad Sudin	Trader (rental of agricultural equipment), Teluk Intan, Perak; alleged JI member	16 Oct 2002	Sent to KDC on 2 Dec 2002; Federal Court rejects habeas corpus appeal on 2 Feb 2005; files habeas corpus application in Aug 2006.
Zaini Zakaria	Electrical engineer, ex-TNB and Malaysia Airports; helped set up Luqmanul Hakim religious school in Tanah Merah, Kelantan; alleged JI member	8 Dec 2002	Sent to Kamunting on 6 Feb 2003 - Detention no. 2580/03
Zainun Rashid	Foreign national; Alleged JI member	mid Dec 2002	Sent to Kamunting on 6 Feb 2003
Wan Amin Wan Hamat	Alleged JI member	2003	Sent to KDC effective 20 Mar 2003
Sulaiman Suramin	Businessman, Sandakan; Alleged JI member	5 June 2003	Alleged that he was stripped naked and mocked; Sent to KDC on 1 August 2003
Sufian Salih	Foreign national; alleged JI involvement	2003-2004	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2004; Filed habeas corpus application in Aug 2006
Mohd Khaider Kadran	Businessman, 38, allegedly "a leader of JI"	11 Jan 2004	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2004
Hasim Talib	Foreign national; alleged JI involvement	Dec 2003 - Jan 2004	Sent to KDC on 28 Feb 2004
Zakaria bin Samad	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2004	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2004
Ahmad Zakaria	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2004	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2004
Terhamid bin Dahalan	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2004	Sent to KDC on 30 Jan 2004
Abdul Rahman Ahmad @ Deraman Koteh	Alleged militant separatist of Thailand	5 Jan 2005	Sent to KDC on 4 Feb 2005
Mahfudi Saifuddin	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2005	Sent to KDC on 2 Aug 2005
Mulyadi	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2005	Sent to KDC on 2 Aug 2005
Arifin	Alleged JI member; Indonesian national	2005	Sent to KDC on 2 Aug 2005
Mat Tarmizi Zakaria	Foreign national; Alleged Thai separatist	2005	Sent to KDC on 9 Sept 2005
A Artas A Burhanuddin	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Francis Indanan	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Mohd Nazri Dollah	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 11 May 2006
Mohd Arasad Patangari	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Adzmi Pindatun	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Tawau	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Idris Lanama	Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah" from Klang	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Aboud Ghafar Shahril	Indonesian; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 16 May 2006
Jeknal Adil	Filipino; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	16 Mar - 3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 11 May 2006
Binsali Omar	Filipino (Malaysian PR); Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	16 Mar -3 Apr 2006	Sent to KDC on 11 May 2006
Husin Alih	Foreign national; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 28 July 2006
Yussof Mohd Salam	Foreign national; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 23 Aug 2006
Abd Jamal Azahari	Foreign national; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 23 Aug 2006
Pakana Selama	PR status; Alleged member of "Darul Islam Sabah"	2006	Sent to KDC on 28 Sept 2006
Kasem Dayana	Foreign national; Alleged foreign agent	2006	Sent to KDC on 19 Oct 2006
Shaykinar Guat	Foreign national; Alleged member of Darul Islam	2006	Sent to KDC on 19 Oct 2006
Argadi Andoyok	Foreign national; Alleged member of Darul Islam	2006	Sent to KDC on 19 Oct 2006
Ng How Chuang	Alleged document falsification	2006	Sent to KDC on 30 Nov 2006
Ng Keat Seng	Alleged document falsification	2006	Sent to KDC on 30 Nov 2006
Mohd Azuan b Aniffa	Alleged foreign agent	2006	Sent to KDC on 18 Dec 2006
Mohd Faizol Shamsudin	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 20 March 2007
Zulfikli Abu Bakar	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 20 March 2007
Zulfikli Marzuki	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 20 March 2007
Amir Hussain	Foreign national; Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 28 April 2007
Mohd Nasir Ismail	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 30 May 2007
Ahmad Kamil Hanafiah	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 30 May 2007
Muh Amir Hanafiah	Alleged JI involvement	2007	Sent to KDC on 30 May 2007
Tan Choon Chin	Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 12 Sept 2007
Mavalavan	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 22 Sept 2007
Lian Kok Heng	Alleged foreign agent	2007	Sent to KDC on 22 Sept 2007
Sundaraj Vijay	Foreign national; Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 18 Oct 2007
San Khaing	Foreign national; Alleged document falsification	2007	Sent to KDC on 18 Oct 2007
P Uthayakumar	Hindraf legal advisor; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
M Manoharan	Hindraf leader; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
R Kenghadharan	Hindraf leader; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
V Ganabatirau	Hindraf leader; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
T Vasanthakumar	Hindraf organising secretary; lawyer	13 Dec 2007	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre on 13 Dec under two-year detention order
Shadul Islam	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2698/2008)
Abdul Sathar Mohammad Sarjoon	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2699/2008)
Faycal Mamdouh	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2700/2008)
Mahamad Nakhrakhel	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2701/2008)
Muhammad Shuaib Hazrat Bilal	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2702/2008)
Muhammad Zahid Haji Zahir Shah	Not known	July 2008	Sent to Kamunting Detention Centre (ATP 2703/2008)
Raja Petra Kamaruddin	Blogger	12 September 2008	Not known
Teresa Kok	Selangor state exco member	12 September 2008	Not known

Disclaimer: We believe the above information reflects the current status of ISA detainees to the best of our knowledge in the absence of latest official confirmation.

ISA Facts

• Enacted in 1960

• Targets any person who "has acted, is about to act, or is likely to act in any manner prejudicial to the security of Malaysia"

• Police can detain anyone for up to 60 days without trial

• No access to lawyer during this period

• Further detention up to 2 years on approval of Home Affairs Minister

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Related:

• -Malaysia's Internal Security Act and Suppression of Political Dissent

• -Internal Security Act Should Be Repealed

• -Internal Security Act (Malaysia)

• -Bases of Power and Subordinates’ Satisfaction with Supervision

- The Contingent Effect of Educational Orientation