Thursday, 18-Oct-2001 6:57 PM

ISA families told what they can talk about

Two family members of ISA detainee Tian Chua were called into the Kamunting Detention Center office and the number two in command, Mr. Fateh Singh, told them that the family visits are only for 'family issues'.

"Please don't talk politics, or party, or projects," he instructed them.

Fateh Singh also told them that family members do not need to update Tian Chua on the latest news because "he knows everything that is happening in the world."

He added that Tian Chua's stay would be 'disturbed' if he gets too much news from the outside.

The family members, however, defied this ban and told Mr. Fateh that, as family, it is their responsibility to inform Tian Chua of the latest news and to give him any information that he asks for.

They added, "Therefore if Tian Chua wants to know about 'party stuff' we would tell him."

They also told Mr. Fateh, "Tian Chua's family is terribly political and politics makes Tian happy."

When Tian Chua's family reported this to him, he replied, "Rubbish!"