Syed Hamid's Explanation on Detention of Sin Chew Daily News Reporter

I find Home Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar’s explanation that Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng was detained under the Internal Security Act as police believed that her life was “under threat” to be totally unacceptable. It was a feeble attempt to justify the use of the ISA on Tan. By detaining her under the ISA, police has turned her into a “victim” of circumstances. By doing so, the police have caused added emotional distress and mental agony to Tan and her family.

Moreover, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid’s explanation that the detention was made by police without his knowledge is also not consistent. As the Home Minister, he should be responsible for any actions undertaken by the police, especially when it involves the sensitivities of the people. As a former member of the Cabinet, sensitive issues are discussed at the weekly Cabinet meetings before any decision is taken. As a senior Minister, Datuk Seri Syed Hamid must be very familiar with these procedures. Also, an important decision such as detention under the ISA should be referred to the Prime Minister for his advice.

In view of the recent developments, the government should abolish the ISA or relook at the ISA to put in place a rigorous system of checks and balances before any decision is taken to detain someone.

( Mand version click "more" )

赛哈密对星洲日报记者被扣留事件所作的解释

内政部长赛哈密对星洲日报记者陈云清在内安法令下被扣留所作的解释是，她的性命面对威胁，我认为，这种解释完全不能被接受。以这个理由援引内安法来逮捕陈云清是站不住脚的。警方利用内安法拘捕她，使她成为了大环境的牺牲者。警方这么做，令她和家人的情绪和精神都感到痛苦万分。

此外，赛哈密解释说，他并不知道警方采取这项逮捕行动。这个解释也不符合事实。身为内政部长，他应该对警方所采取的任何行动，尤其是涉及人民的敏感问题的行动负责。我担任内阁成员时，所有的敏感问题在做出决定之前，必须先在每周的内阁会议上讨论。身为一位资深的部长，赛哈密必须非常熟悉这个程序。 此外，援引内安法令进行扣留这么重要的事件，应该先向首相请示才能做出决定。

鉴于最近的事态演变，政府应该废除内安法令，或者重新检讨这项法令，以便实行严格的调查和衡量体系，才可以做出逮捕任何人的决定。