Indonesians Arrested in Malaysia
By Kenneth Conboy
It has recently come to light that the Malaysian authorities have used their Internal Security Act to detain three Indonesian nationals. One of them, Agus Salim, was detained on 5 March for unknown reasons. Two others, 60-year-old Abdul Matin Anol Rahmat and Johar Hassan, were arrested at their homes in Johor state on 1 April. Of these two, Abdul Matin has been confirmed as being a likely member of Jemaah Islamiyah. Given that Hassan was arrested on the same date and in the same vicinity, it is a fair bet that he is also thought to be a member of JI.
The Internal Security Act has long been portrayed as draconian and oppressive. However, the Malaysian government has defended the law as necessary to protect national security and ensure stability. With these three latest arrests, it is estimated that 30 persons are being held in a prison in northern Malaysian without trial.
