AG: ISA detention orders lawful

Internal Security Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and the police had complied with all procedures leading up to the detention of the five Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders, the Kuala Lumpur High Court heard today.

This was submitted by Attorney-General Abdul Gani Patail on day two of the habeas corpus application by the Hindraf five.

The packed courtroom saw Abdul Gani resuming his submissions from yesterday by arguing that there was no procedural non-compliance committed by Abdullah or his officers.

Yesterday, lead counsel Karpal Singh argued that there was procedural non-compliance with the provision of Section 8 and 73 of the Internal Security Act (ISA) because Abdullah had invoked the wrong section first.

According to him, the detainees were deprived of an enquiry under Section 73 which provides for a period not exceeding 60 days for investigations including the right of the applicant to put up his defence.

The five - P Uthayakumar, M Manoharan, R Kenghadharan, V Ganabathirau and T Vasanthakumar - were detained under Section 8(1) ISA directly on Dec 13 last year under Abdullah's orders.