Release ISA detainees!

The Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE), a public sector labor center advancing militant, patriotic and progressive public sector unionism in the Philippines, view with great concern the arrests and continuing detention without charges of Ustaz Abdullah Hassan, Paharuddin Mustapha, and Kamarulzaman Ismail. All are believe to be activists in Malaysia.

We urge the Malaysian government to release the three for humanitarian reasons and due to poor health. Their continuing detention without charges and without others' knowing their whereabouts violates the basic principles of human rights meant for the Malaysian people. Hence, we are calling for their imnmediate and unconditional release. That the human rights of the Malaysian people are no different from the human rights of other peoples of the world.

In its guise of pursuing economic development, the Malaysian government should not do this at the expense of the humanity of its own people. You fight for the rights of the people of Bosnia-Herzegovina and yet you violate your own people's rights.

Furhtermore, We call for the immediate repeal of the Internal Security Act (ISA) and all repressive laws under the present dispensation in Malaysia. The political conditions of Malaysia is no different from the repressive regime of the late Marcos dictator. It is through the concerted action of the Filipino people that toppled those years of tyranny and fear.

Likewise, we seek for their public appearance and medical treatment necessary for their failing health. We urge the Mahathir government to charge them through an impartial and honest court and allow themselves to be defended by a lawyer of their choice. We call as well the Malaysian government not to make an athmosphere of fear among human rights advocates and activists and give respect to others' political beliefs.

Ferdinand R. Gaite
National President
COURAGE