Grow a conscience and release 'LTTE-linked' Sosma detainees

MP SPEAKS | The last few weeks have been challenging. There was just too much emphasis on politicking rather than on governing the country. 

And also the very carefully crafted play of religion on politics to sow further discord amongst Malaysians.

There were, of course, police reports and the men in uniform questioning elected representatives.

If this drama wasn’t enough, we had a witch-hunt for alleged Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) supporters.

This takes the cake for being the most ludicrous of police actions for this year: going after Indian DAP leaders under the pretext of them trying to resuscitate a group which has been defunct for almost a decade.

But what's worse is that Deepavali is in three days and the wives (photo, below) of the three detained politicians are staging a hunger protest outside Bukit Aman in the pouring rain, demanding their husbands be released ahead of the festival.

They are adamant about not moving unless their husbands are free.

And there is also a clear message for Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, cautioning he is responsible if anything untoward happens to the three women.

I watched the video a few times and it breaks my heart to see them sitting on a pavement, demanding justice.

Why hold them under Sosma when there is 'concrete evidence'?

My argument is simple - charge the men in an open court or release them immediately.

After all, haven’t the police and Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin repeatedly said they have concrete evidence to detain the 12 men?

The principal assistant director of the counter-terrorism division of the Special Branch, Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, even said there were large amounts of money moved to revive the LTTE.

So why hold them under Sosma, an archaic law that allows for detention without trial, which Pakatan Harapan promised to repeal once it comes to power?

Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus all over the world to recognise the power of truth and justice over evil.

Hindu mythology says that rows of diya or clay lamps are lit during the celebrations to welcome Lord Krishna who killed the demon, Narakasura.

Another mythology says the lamps are to light the path walked by Lord Rama after having rescued his wife, Sita from the demon king Ravana.

It's dark outside as I write this. And I can only hope that we can grow a conscience quickly and release the men before Sunday, when Deepavali celebrations start.

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CHARLES SANTIAGO is a DAP member and MP for Klang. - Mkini