Freed ISA detainee R. Kenghadharan waves to well-wishers as he leaves the Kamunting detention centre in Perak on Sunday, April 5. He was one of the 13 people held under the Internal Security Act whose release was ordered by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak upon stepping up to the top office. — Picture by Choo Choy MayBy Adib Zalkapli
TAIPING, April 5 — Thirteen ISA detainees released by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Friday finally tasted freedom from the Kamunting centre today.
Among them were two Hindraf leaders, R. Kengadharan and V. Ganabatirao, held under the Internal Security Act in late 2007 for leading the largest Indian uprising in the country that led to the Barisan Nasional's worst performance in election last year.
It was learnt that both were freed with conditions.
Others released were seven members of Darul Islam Sabah, one from Jemaah Islamiyah and three foreigners who detained for alleged documents forgery.
They were taken out of the detention centre in stages with the foreigners being the first to be taken out by the Immigration Department.
Kengadharan and Ganabatirao left the centre at 1.25pm and were driven to their respective houses in Shah Alam, followed by their family members.
The Islamists were taken out of the detention centre centre soon after that but the authorities were silent how many were freed with or without conditions.
Kenghadharan's wife M. Kalaiwany disclosed to reporters outside the centre that her husband was released conditionally, but added she was not informed of the details.
"I will first take him to the temple," Kalaiwany said while waiting for her husband's release.
"His immediate priority now will be family and his legal practice," she said when asked whether her husband would continue with the struggle.
Three other Hindraf leaders, T. Vasanthakumar, M. Manoharan and P. Uthayakumar are still held under the act which allows for detention without trial.
The prime minister announced their release on his first day of office last Friday evening in an attempt to show his commitment to reform but opposition leaders believed the move was merely an election ploy to help BN improve its chances in the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections.
Meanwhile Vasanthakumar's cousin claimed that the family members were willing to campaign for BN if the other three Hindraf leaders are released today.
A. Latha told reporters that they were willing to set aside their animosity if the new PM was sincere in reforming the country.
"We are willing to forget and move on, and Vasanthakumar has also discussed this matter with our family members," she said.
Independent candidate for the Bukit Gantang by-election Kamarul Ramizu who made a brief stop outside the detention centre thanked Najib for his move.
"I hope everyone will be patient, God willing everyone else will be released," he said
TAIPING, April 5 — Thirteen ISA detainees released by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak last Friday finally tasted freedom from the Kamunting centre today.
Among them were two Hindraf leaders, R. Kengadharan and V. Ganabatirao, held under the Internal Security Act in late 2007 for leading the largest Indian uprising in the country that led to the Barisan Nasional's worst performance in election last year.
It was learnt that both were freed with conditions.
Others released were seven members of Darul Islam Sabah, one from Jemaah Islamiyah and three foreigners who detained for alleged documents forgery.
They were taken out of the detention centre in stages with the foreigners being the first to be taken out by the Immigration Department.
Kengadharan and Ganabatirao left the centre at 1.25pm and were driven to their respective houses in Shah Alam, followed by their family members.
The Islamists were taken out of the detention centre centre soon after that but the authorities were silent how many were freed with or without conditions.
Kenghadharan's wife M. Kalaiwany disclosed to reporters outside the centre that her husband was released conditionally, but added she was not informed of the details.
"I will first take him to the temple," Kalaiwany said while waiting for her husband's release.
"His immediate priority now will be family and his legal practice," she said when asked whether her husband would continue with the struggle.
Three other Hindraf leaders, T. Vasanthakumar, M. Manoharan and P. Uthayakumar are still held under the act which allows for detention without trial.
The prime minister announced their release on his first day of office last Friday evening in an attempt to show his commitment to reform but opposition leaders believed the move was merely an election ploy to help BN improve its chances in the Bukit Gantang and Bukit Selambau by-elections.
Meanwhile Vasanthakumar's cousin claimed that the family members were willing to campaign for BN if the other three Hindraf leaders are released today.
A. Latha told reporters that they were willing to set aside their animosity if the new PM was sincere in reforming the country.
"We are willing to forget and move on, and Vasanthakumar has also discussed this matter with our family members," she said.
Independent candidate for the Bukit Gantang by-election Kamarul Ramizu who made a brief stop outside the detention centre thanked Najib for his move.
"I hope everyone will be patient, God willing everyone else will be released," he said
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