Suaram doubts Zamihan's 'deradicalisation expertise'

Human rights watchdog Suaram has questioned the competence of preacher Zamihan Mat Zin's role in "rehabilitating" suspected terrorists.

In a statement today, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said his organisation had received complaints from inmates over Zamihan's conduct. 

"The programme which is run by Zamihan... involved a once-a-month lecture. Zamihan, who is supposed to 'rehabilitate' (suspects) behaved like a police personnel who solicit confessions," said Sevan in a statement today. 

He also claimed that there is no transparency in the so-called rehabilitation programme as the authorities prevent embassy personnel, researchers and civil society from accessing suspected terrorists.

"In view of this, the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programme could not be assessed, but there are complaints that some suspects were suffering from abuse," he said. 

"The government should include independent groups, including civil society groups, in tackling terrorism. 

"(The government must also) monitor the rehabilitation process to ensure that it is in line with the law and guarantees human rights," said Sevan. 

When contacted for details later, Suaram's right to trial coordinator Amir Abd Hadi said Suaram has been in contact with some detainees who were subjected to the "rehabilitation" efforts. 

At the time of writing, Zamihan has yet to respond to a request for comments.

Previously, Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi had described Zamihan as an "asset" because of his expertise in the "deradicalisation" of suspected terrorists.

Zamihan has been under the spotlight of late after he was banned from preaching in Johor and Selangor due to the content of some of his lectures.- Mkini