FAC News Friday, October 19, 2001 8:19 PM

The Letter to US President George W. Bush

To:
Your Excellency Mister President George W. Bush
Through the US Embassy in Kuala Lumpur

Your Excellency Mr. President,

First of all, our deepest condolence to the people of the United States of America who have become the victims of a hideous terrorist attack. We fully sympathize with the pain, trauma and suffering of the survivors and families of those perished in the September 11 tragedy.

Terrorism is an unforgivable crime denounced by people of all faiths including Islam. The war against terrorism is our sacred duty to defend freedom and humanity. However, in the long run, only the prevalence of justice, civil liberty and democracy could overcome the threat of terrorism. Thus, we strongly believe that the U.S. should continue to play a leading role to promote human rights worldwide.

We - a group of six political prisoners, consist of journalist, scholars, NGO activists, human rights campaigners and leaders of opposition party, who have been involving in peaceful struggle for political change in Malaysia. We have been detained since April 10, 2001 under the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allowed the authorities to imprison people without the benefit of a fair and open trial.

Under 20 years of Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir's autocratic rule, civil liberty and democracy in Malaysia have been systematically curtailed. In recent years, human rights situation has deteriorated even more severely as the country faces the regional economic downturn. Thousands of Malaysian citizens had been arrested and indicted in court for participating in peaceful protest against the government's abuse of power, corruption and economic mismanagement. In respond to the mounting pressure for economic and political reforms, the government has recently imposed a blanket ban on all opposition gatherings comprised of more than four persons.

The US Administration has in the past frequently criticized human rights abuses by Dr. Mahathir's government. The US's firm stand on human rights has been appreciated by the people of Malaysia.

The September 11 terrorist attack of the WTC and Pentagon creates a new political atmosphere. With the rising tension between democracy and terrorism, we are wary that Dr. Mahathir would exploit the worldwide anti-terrorist sentiment to further tighten and justify his repressive grip. Democracy will further be eroded in the name of national security.

We understand that Your Excellency will be holding a meeting with Dr. Mahathir at the APEC Forum Meeting in Shanghai. While forging anti-terrorist coalition with Malaysia, we urge the US not to forsake its long standing commitment to defend freedom and human rights. Therefore we call upon Your Excellency to raise the issues of human rights abuses in Malaysia. Specifically we appeal for you intervention on our behalf to seek our release.

During the APEC Meeting, we hope Your Excellence will continue to remind Dr. Mahathir and other leaders of the Asia Pacific region, that economic progress must go hand in hand with democratic reforms. Democratization and the rise of civil society will provide crucial checking mechanisms to ensure transparency and good governance that are vital for stable and sustainable economic growth.

Dr. Mahathir's refusal to accept the trend of liberalization and democratization is indirectly jeopardizing the prospect of regional economic recovery. In the age of globalization, international cooperation is essential to strive for common economic prosperity. However this can only be achieved if all members of the global community make a resolute commitment to eliminate despotism, tyranny and injustices. Individuals and nations throughout the world shall work together to defend liberty and justice that endeared by all humanity.

Thank you for your attention. Wish Your Excellency a swift success in your task in combating terrorism and all forms of violence globally.

Yours sincerely,

Ezam Mohd Nor

Saari Sungib

Tian Chua

Dr Badrulamin Bahron

Lokman Noor Adam

Hishamuddin Rais

From the prison of Kamunting Detention Camp,
Malaysia.

October 3, 2001