Raja Petra’s articles could arouse anger among Muslims, says Syed Hamid

Wednesday September 24, 2008
Raja Petra’s articles could arouse anger among Muslims, says Syed Hamid


KOTA BARU: Malaysia Today editor Raja Petra Kamaruddin was detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) because his articles ridiculed Islam, said Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar.

“The police recommended his detention and after going through the papers, the Government was satisfied there were strong grounds for him to be further detained for two years.

“His articles could arouse anger among Muslims,” Syed Hamid said, adding that he signed the detention order on Monday after he was satisfied with the reasons to detain Raja Petra.

He said after the first three months, the authorities would review Raja Petra’s attitude while in detention in Kamunting.


Family support: Marina (right) and Sarah arriving at the courthouse in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Marina says she will never give up fighting for her husband.

“The second review will be after six months, and the Government will determine whether he can be released or not,” he said, after breaking fast with members of the Kelantan police contingent.

Referring to reports quoting Seputeh MP Teresa Kok as saying she was served “dog food” while under ISA detention, Syed Hamid said all detention centres had their own standard operating procedures, which were in line with international quality standards.

“I was informed she was accorded good treatment and received what she demanded,” he said, adding that Kok was served reasonably good food, such as bread and eggs.

In Kuala Lumpur, former de facto Law Minister Datuk Zaid Ibrahim said he felt sorry for Raja Petra, adding that Malaysia “needs more people like him”.

“Instead of detaining him, we should encourage more people to speak out. If he has done wrong, then charge him,” he said.

He added that freedom of speech and expression were important values in society.