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Issue No. 181 | 06 June 2003 |
National Leadership
History: Nest of Traitors Interview: A Nation of Hope Unions: National Focus Safety: The Shocking Truth Tribute: A Comrade Departed History: Working Bees Education: The Big Picture International: Static Labour Economics: Budget And Fudge It Technology: Google and Campaigning Review: Secretary With A Difference Poetry: The Minimale Satire: Howard Calls for Senate to be Replaced by Clap-O-Meter
Allianz Claims on Sick and Dying Back Pay Bill From Behind the Bars Stabbings Ground Job Cuts � For Now Red Light for Cut Price Labour Hire Sacked Workers� Ultimate Insult Electrolux Repays Survival With Bastardry Nurses: Bosses Should Foot Bank Fees Rail Workers Telegraph Press Council Track Call Centre Leak Shames Stellar
Politics The Soapbox Media The Locker Room
Negative Campaigning Response to Gould Aged Policy Looks Hairy Tom's Turn God Save Billy Deane Solidarity Forever More Bad Language
Labor Council of NSW |
News Malaysian Detainees Released
Both Tian Chua and Hishamuddian were detained without trial, together with four others--the ISA Six--under the notorious Internal Security Act (ISA) in June 2001, for planning to topple the government through militant means--charges they all denied. 'We feel relief, but it is not yet freedom. The freedom will come when the ISA is abolished,' Tian Chua said. 'There are many more, more than 100 people still detained in Kamunting under the ISA. Until this law is repealed and put in the graveyard we will continue to fight,' Hishamuddian added. They were part of the 'reformasi' group campaigning for the release of the former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibraham when they were arrested and detained. Tian Chua is a vice president of the opposition party--Keadilan, headed by Anwar Ibraham's wife Wan Azizah, while Hishamuddin Rais is an activist and Malaysiakini columnist-cum-filmmaker. Both have lived in Australia--Tian Chua studied at the University of NSW and Hishamuddian was in Australia briefly in the late 70s. In a surprise move, their two years detention were not extended by the Home Minister--the Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi. Tian Chua and Hishamuddin were informed of their release from the ISA late on Sunday 31 May. But their released had to be delayed until they appear for bail applications in the Kuala Lumpur court to face separate charges of unlawful assemblies. Their charges will be heard later in the year. Tian Chua and Hishamuddin thanked their supporters in Malaysia and abroad for their support. They believe international pressure and the increasing awareness in Malaysia were the key to their release. 'I am very glad and I would like to thank everyone in Australia for their solidarity,' Tian Chua said. Tian Chua is confident the solidarity that have been built on the ISA campaign will continue in all other aspects so that 'Australia, Malaysia and all other South East Asian nations will unite together to create a zone of peace and human rights.' Tian Chua hopes to make a visit to Australia soon.
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