UPDATE ON URGENT APPEAL UPDATE ON URGENT APPEAL UPDATE ON URGENT APPEAL

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAM

Update on Urgent Appeal 3 August 2001
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UP-25-2001 (RE: UA25/01: One ISA detainee released; one more detained)

UPDATE (MALAYSIA): Continuous arrests under the Internal Security Act (ISA)
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Dear Friends,

We have received news that Khairul Anmad Zainuddin, one of student activist who was arrested on July 5, 2001, was released on July 28, 2001. Khairul was held without charge under the Internal Security Act (ISA) for 23 days.

However, while giving with one hand, the Malaysian government has taken with the other. According to our reliable information, On the morning of August 2, 2001, Mr. Norashid Sakip, who is the Pan Malaysian Islamic Party (PAS) Youth chief for Sungai Bemut branch, was arrested at the Simpang Renggam police station.

According to PAS, Norashid was summoned to go to the police station regarding the permit for an upcoming public rally on August 12. At that time, the police escorted Norashid to his quarters in a religious school where he was a teacher.

The police showed his wife a warrant which stated that Norashid was
detained under Section 73 of the ISA. Section 73 of the ISA stipulates that any person may be arrested for a period of not exceeding 60 days for police interrogation.

However, Norashid's wife was not informed of the reason behind her
husband's arrest. The family is seeking to contact the police for more
information on the arrest.

We have deep concern and draw your attention to the continuous crackdown in Malaysia. We urge you to join the solidarity movement against the ISA and to support the action by signing the on-line petition at http://www.ahrchk.net/ua/malaysia/isa/index.html

Thank you.


Urgent Appeals Desk
Asian Human Rights Commission