Sunday September 14, 2008 MYT 8:00:46 PM
MCA’s Fong: Home Minister’s explanation ‘unacceptable’
By ELIZABETH LOOI
PETALING JAYA: MCA vice-president Datuk Seri Dr Fong Chan Onn has criticised Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar’s explanation for the detention of Sin Chew Daily reporter Tan Hoon Cheng.
He said Syed Hamid’s explanation that Tan was arrested under the Internal Security Act (ISA) because her life was under threat was “totally unacceptable.”
“It was a feeble attempt to justify the use of the ISA on Tan.
“By doing so, the police have caused added emotional distress and mental agony to Tan and her family,” Dr Fong wrote in his blog.
He also said Syed Hamid’s claim that the detention was done without his knowledge was inconsistent with his explanation.
Dr Fong said based on his experience as a former Cabinet minister, sensitive issues were discussed at weekly meetings before any decision was made.
“As the Home Minister, he should be responsible for any action undertaken by the police, especially when it involves the sensitivities of the people.
“As a senior Minister, (he) must be very familiar with these procedures,” he said.
Dr Fong also called for the Government to either abolish or review the ISA.
“The government should abolish or take another look at the ISA to put in place a rigorous system of checks and balances before any decision is taken to detain someone,” he said.
Earlier stories:
Wrong use of ISA: De facto law minister
Sin Chew reporter goes home a day after ISA arrest
Emotional return for Tan
Journalist groups decry arrest of Sin Chew reporter
Reporter’s life was threatened
Explain arrests, cops told
Opposition slams ‘ridiculous’ reason for using ISA
Group: Charge them in court, don’t use ISA
Zahid: Blame the detainees
Stop playing the race card, Pakatan Rakyat tells Umno
MCA: Don’t use ISA on newsmen
Act cannot be used to ‘protect’ detainee, says Liow
News Poll
- Teacher held for oral sex on Year Two girl
- Lau sought psychiatrist’s help after death of fan’s dad
- Police shoot dead leader of ‘Berong Gang’
- Australian court sentences Malaysian who posed as taxi driver
- Prime Minister comes up with plan to end crisis in MCA
- Fresh polls in six to eight months if new mechanism used
- Eli’s ex still being sought by cops
- Settle RM57, 5As pupil told High scorer can’t collect result slip
- Ong’s political secretary resigns
- The Star goes to Sarawak
- 10 states see increase in number of dengue cases
- AirAsia launches new flights to three Indian cities
- Australian court sentences Malaysian who posed as taxi driver
- Teacher held for oral sex on Year Two girl
- Take care of yourself first
- Police shoot dead leader of ‘Berong Gang’
- MACC accepts court decision
- Researcher: Faint writing seen on Shroud of Turin
- Education for the real world
- Emi is happy she can go to school
RSS
