PRESS STATEMENT: 14 MARCH 2011
ISA WOULD NOT RESOLVE PROBLEMS: CHARGE THEM AND BRING THEM TO JUSTICE!
Gerakan Mansuhkan ISA (GMI) express regrets towards the statement made by the Muslim Consumers Association of Malaysia (PPIM) that urged the government to take stern action, including the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) against an individual who mocks the Islamic call to prayer on YouTube (Source: Malaysiakini, 14 March 2011). Describing the video footage as an immoral and irresponsible act, PPIM executive officer Mohd Mustaffa Hamzah said it offended and angered Muslims in the country.
GMI recognise that the call for prayer is sacred in Islam and any act to mock the call is irresponsible and deplorable especially in Malaysia’s multi-religious society the individual involved must be put to justice. However, the suggestion to use ISA does not resolve the problem. In fact, it may compound the problems as ISA relinquishes any need to produce evidence or to have trials. ISA or any other detention without trial acts for that matter is an easy way to avert or cover up the real issues. Furthermore, ISA is in direct violation of basic human rights and rule of law.
In this case, it would be in the interests of all that proper investigation be made and due process of law is followed.
GMI advice all parties to be prudent in suggesting the use of ISA as the implication is big. The wide array of powers under the ISA opens up opportunities to contaminate truth and justice.
GMI would like to remind the government that the ISA makes a mockery of the principle of presumption of innocent until proven guilty; it unjustly denies our civil liberties; it allows for detention without trial and thus denies natural justice. Worse still, it creates conditions for torture and other degrading forms of treatment while under detention.
GMI calls upon the government to stop arresting people under the ISA, abolish the draconian law, and release all ISA detainees or to charge them in court.
Abolish ISA!
Release All The Detainees!
Close Down Kamunting!
Released By,
Nalini.E
Secretary GMI
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