Scores of protestors from social and political groups demonstrated at a detention camp Sunday, calling for the abolishment of the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA).
Protestors shouted slogans outside the Kamunting detention camp in the northern state of Perak where all ISA detainees are being held, said Cynthia Gabriel, a spokesman for rights group SUARAM.
After some singing and a short street theater, they released 40 balloons to mark the 40th year since ISA was introduced in the country, she told AFP.
Former ISA detainees later spoke at a forum held near the camp, reminiscing sufferings they underwent during detention, she said.
Seventy-one non-governmental organizations and political parties have endorsed the call to repeal the ISA, she added.
The ISA allows for detention for up to two years without trial.
"In the 60s, ISA was used on the labor movement and political opposition. In the 70s, besides trade unionists and political activists, the Act was used against student movements and religious groups," SUARAM said in a statement.
"In the 80s, it was used to silence opposition leaders, academicians and social activists. In the 90s, it was used to curb Islamic deviants as well as the reform movement which sprung to life after the expulsion of (ex-deputy premier) Anwar Ibrahim.
"The ISA has served as the most powerful tool to curb public life and civil society," it said.
Anwar, who was sacked in September 1998, was initially detained under the ISA after leading mass anti-government rallies. He was jailed in April 1999 for six years for abuse of power and was this year imprisoned another for nine years for sodomy -- KUALA LUMPUR (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
