Malaysian PM defends arrest of activists
Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi defended a decision to
detain five ethnic Indian activists under a tough security law as in the
interests of public order, state media reported.
The five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf), pushing
for an end to alleged discrimination of ethnic Indians in multi-racial
Malaysia, were picked up Thursday and ordered held under the Internal
Security Act (ISA).
The controversial law allows for indefinite detention without trial.
“Our action is justified. We have to take action if something
undesirable to national security and public safety happens,” he was
quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency late Thursday.
“I am duty-bound to act because the people want the government to
take action. The people don’t want to see this country in chaos,” he
said.
Abdullah, who is also the minister responsible for internal security,
said national security concerns overrode freedom of expression. “Between
the freedom of expression and public safety, I will give importance to
public safety. If you want to speak up, you must follow procedures,” he
said.
“This is not a nation that shuts the mouth of everyone. The people
are not dumb. If we want freedom, we must be responsible. Freedom cannot
be given without responsibility.”
Opposition parties and human rights groups, who have campaigned for
the abolishment of the ISA, slammed the government’s actions and the
United States has also called for the five detainees to be provided with
fair treatment.
Kuala Lumpur, Friday, AFP
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