A political detainee imprisoned under the draconian law ISA, which allows detention without trial indefinitely described his detention and others as 'politically motivated'. 

In a statement passed secretly to a visiting family member last weekend, Tian Chua, the incarcerated Vice President of National Justice Party lambasted the authority for using ISA to silence legitimate criticisms. National Justice Party is headed by Anwar's wife, Dr. Wan Azizah.

"The detention without trial in the form of the Internal Security Act (ISA) is one of the most inhumane laws of the modern age. It is obvious that the decision to arrest and detain us was politically motivated."

He also exposed how the detainees were brainwashed during the initial 60-day detention period. Interrogations conducted had nothing to do with internal security matters, claimed Tian.

"Our 60-day investigation period was simply for ‘brainwashing’ and an information gathering exercise by the Special Branch of the police. The interrogation never touched on activities that violated laws of the land nor actions which undermined public security," said Tian further.

Tian and three other keADILan leaders and social activist were transferred to Kamunting Political Detention Centre last two weeks to begin their 2-year detention without trial sentence. 

Tian also lambasted the Home Minister, Abdullah Badawi for hastily incarcerating them under the draconian law. The order was issued during a public holiday, urgently made after a High Court judge released two detainees arrested in a swoop of keADILan and human rights activists last April.

"It appears that Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Abdullah Badawi has signed our detention orders in a haste, on June 2 - a public holiday. Abdullah Badawi had to work overtime to ensure that we are securely behind bars," said Tian.

According to Tian, though they are eligible for a review by an Advisory Board, he is skeptical that it would yield any positive outcome. Tian vowed that the detainees would not allow the review board issue to be used as a mean to legitimise their detention.

" Our release will depend solely on the strength of people's support. We should not fantasise that freedom will be granted by the puppet advisory board. Eventually, we will only enjoy true freedom if the ISA is totally repealed," stressed Tian.

Last weekend hundreds of opposition and human rights activists protested outside the detention centre demanding the unconditional release of all ISA detainees. Similar rallies were carried out in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Sydney and London.