(Washington, May 13, 2002) - During his meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, President Bush should make clear that the fight against terrorism does not give Malaysia a blank check to suppress political dissent and deny fundamental human rights.
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Dr. Mahathir is manipulating the war against terrorism, to justify the use of this repressive law. The Bush administration should make clear that it rejects that kind of opportunism, and wants to see real improvement in Malaysia's human rights record - starting with the repeal of the ISA.
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Human Rights Watch urged the Bush administration to call for the repeal of Malaysia's Internal Security Act (ISA), which was adopted almost 40 years ago to combat Communist rebels and is frequently used by Dr. Mahathir to quash peaceful dissent. Currently, at least 105 people are being detained under the ISA. Among those targeted under the ISA over the last year were minority Shi'a Muslims, supporters of jailed former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, and youth leaders in the opposition Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS, Partai Islam Se-Malaysia), although individuals linked to specific violent acts were also among those detained.
"Dr. Mahathir is manipulating the war against terrorism, to justify the use of this repressive law," said Mike Jendrzejczyk, Washington Director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division. "The Bush administration should make clear that it rejects that kind of opportunism, and wants to see real improvement in Malaysia's human rights record - starting with the repeal of the ISA."
The ISA provides for arbitrary arrest and detention without trial for an indefinite period based on mere suspicion that one "may be likely" to commit an act deemed dangerous to national security. A detainee is, therefore, presumed guilty without trial. It further allows a detainee to be held under solitary confinement for 60 days without legal counsel or judicial review.
Those suspected of involvement in violent acts including acts of terrorism should be charged and brought to trial under Malaysia's criminal laws, Human Rights Watch said.
Human Rights Watch today released a 6-page background paper on the ISA and recent detentions, including the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim originally held under the ISA and later convicted on other charges. He is now serving a 15-year prison term.
Human Rights Watch also expressed concern about restrictions on free expression and free assembly, and restrictions on the press and academic freedom.
