MALAYSIA: End Preventative Detention, Investigate Abuses

Malaysia: UN Review Should Challenge Rights Record

End Preventative Detention, Investigate Abuses

February 9, 2009

(Geneva) - United Nations member states should raise concerns about arbitrary and preventive detention and abuses against migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers at the upcoming review of Malaysia's human rights record, Human Rights Watch said today. Malaysia will undergo its first Universal Periodic Review (UPR) on February 11, 2009, at the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Under the process, the rights record of each member state will be reviewed once every four years.

"A long, hard look at Malaysia's performance on fundamental human rights, including its detention practices, is in order," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "Countries should call Malaysia to account for failing to address abuses against migrants and refugees, and for its continuing use of preventative detention."

Under Malaysia's draconian Internal Security Act (ISA), anyone deemed to be a threat to national security can be detained indefinitely without charge or trial, violating international due process standards. In its submission for the human rights review, Malaysia characterizes the ISA as "essential to peace, stability, and security" and describes the procedures under which a detained person can challenge the detention.

But Malaysia's reliance on the ISA violates a number of international human rights standards, including the right to be free from arbitrary detention, the rights to due process and to a fair trial, and the rights to freedom of speech and expression. While an advisory board reviews all ISA detentions, its recommendations are not binding. The detainees have no avenues of redress as the courts are not permitted to review a case on its merits. Permitted appeals on procedural grounds routinely fail.

On September 12, 2008, the Malaysian government arrested two journalists and an opposition politician under the ISA. All have since been released. But one of the journalists, Raja Petra Lamarudin, founder and editor of Malaysia Today, Malaysia's most popular website, is now on trial for sedition. In December 2007, five leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) were charged under ISA after the organization staged a demonstration to draw attention to education and economic policies that discriminate against Malaysia's Indian population. These five remain in detention.

"Malaysia uses the pretext of national security to invoke the ISA and lock up critics and political opponents indefinitely," Pearson said. "UN member states should challenge Malaysia to repeal the ISA, and either to charge or to free all those currently detained under its provisions."

In its report to the Human Rights Council, Malaysia fails to address the problems faced by migrant workers, but suggests that a Malaysia-Indonesia Memorandum of Understanding provides necessary protection. Human Rights Watch has long documented abuses suffered by domestic workers - physical abuse, unpaid wages, excessively long working hours, and lack of rest days. The memorandum with Indonesia still fails to establish minimum labor protections or to guarantee the rights of domestic workers to hold their own passports, which sometimes are confiscated by employers to maintain control over an employee.

Human Rights Watch said that UN member states should especially raise concerns about Malaysia's failure to address abuses by the People's Voluntary Corps (Ikatan Relawan Rakyat or RELA), the government-backed force that apprehends irregular migrants and provides security for Malaysia's immigration detention centers. In 2008, Human Rights Watch documented a pattern of abuse by members of RELA, including physical assault, intimidation, threats, humiliating treatment, forced entry into living quarters, extortion, and theft perpetrated against migrants, asylum seekers and refugees (http://www.hrw.org/en/news/2009/02/04/universal-periodic-review-malaysia).

One detained migrant told Human Rights Watch how RELA members treated them "like animals" and would punch and kick detainees for no apparent reason. Another migrant described a beating by RELA officers that left him so sore that he could not walk for days. The government consistently denies that abuses by RELA are widespread, and instead of disbanding RELA, wants to upgrade it into a fully-fledged enforcement agency.

Regarding human trafficking, Malaysia's submission to the Human Rights Council points to the state's new anti-trafficking law, shelters for trafficking victims, and awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking. But Malaysia has failed to investigate allegations of collusion between Malaysian immigration officers and trafficking gangs on the Malay-Thai border, dismissing such reports as "wild accusations." In 2008, Burmese migrants told Human Rights Watch of being sold to criminal gangs, who charged those with money to smuggle them back into Malaysia and trafficked those who could not pay.

"RELA officers have beaten, tortured, and extorted money from migrants, but instead of punishing them, the government wants to reward their bad behavior by giving them more powers," said Pearson. "In reviewing Malaysia's record, states should be asking why Malaysia won't conduct impartial investigations into the involvement of RELA and immigration officers in abuses against migrants."

Malaysia has not signed major international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its optional protocol, and the Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families. The Malaysian government has repeatedly stated that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will only be given effect where it is compatible with Malaysia's constitution.

Statement by 13 UN experts on global detention initiative

Statement by 13 UN experts on global detention initiative

6 October 2008

Thirteen independent experts of the UN Human Rights Council issued the following statement at the start of Dignity and Justice for Detainees Week -- a global initiative launched by the High Commissioner for Human Rights -- which takes place from 6-12 October 2008:

GENEVA -- "We strongly support the High Commissioner's initiative on improving respect for the human rights of detainees. As mandate holders of the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council, we visit places of detention in many countries and receive information from all around the world. A serious problem we encounter is that often there are no proper records of those deprived of liberty, or, worse, they are held in places of detention that are not officially recognized. It is also of great concern that many people should not be deprived of their liberty at all, since their detention is arbitrary. Others are being detained solely on the basis of administrative orders unrelated to the criminal justice system, for example irregular migrants. Deprivation of liberty as such, whether lawful or not, makes persons extremely vulnerable to a broad range of human rights violations.

Often detention places undue restrictions on detainees including regarding access to health care and on their rights to food, education, privacy, family life and to participate in the political life of their country. Worse, in many cases, overcrowding, the lack of air and daylight and poor hygienic standards in detention literally make detainees ill as such conditions are conducive to the spread of disease.

Persons deprived of their liberty run an increased risk of being subjected to torture and ill-treatment, and in some extreme cases, to enforced disappearance. The range of forms of violence we have witnessed in detention facilities is wide and includes beatings and electroshocks to various parts of the body, threats, stress positions, burning, putting needles under fingernails, shooting, water boarding and sexual violence. Unfortunately this is by no means an exhaustive list, and new methods keep being invented.

All too often we have seen that discrimination existing in societies at large is exacerbated when people are deprived of their liberty. Even when policies and practices aim to treat everyone equally, they often overlook the particular needs of women, minors, non-citizens, the sick and the disabled. Poor detainees suffer disproportionally from overcrowding and their access to healthcare and food is often reduced to a minimum. Those detained far from home suffer the most for lack of family support. Members of vulnerable groups or women run an increased risk of falling victims to sexual violence and slavery-like practices within places of detention, frequently with the tacit approval of, or directly committed by, State officials. Too often detention serves as a means of punishment without educational opportunities, thus further marginalising detainees rather than helping them to prepare for release.

Since violations of detainees' rights by definition take place behind closed doors and, in many places, no effective channels exist to denounce them, injustice done to detainees all too often remains unknown of and unaccounted for.

On the occasion of the week on "Dignity and Justice for Detainees", we call on all States to do their utmost to ensure that detainees, as all other human beings, are treated with respect and dignity. We also appeal to States to provide for effective complaints and monitoring mechanisms in places of detention, including efficient avenues to challenge the legality of detention and access to legal counsel, with a view to making human rights a reality for them.

Signatories:

Mr. Philip Alston, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions;
Mr. Jorge Bustamante, Special Rapporteur on the human rights of migrants;
Ms Manuela Carmena Castrillo, Chairperson-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention of the Human Rights Council;
Mr. Santiago Corcuera Cabezut, Chairperson of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances;
Mr. Olivier de Schutter, Special Rapporteur on the right to food;
Mr. Leandro Despouy, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers;
Ms. Yakin Ertürk, Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences;
Mr. Anand Grover, Special Rapporteur on the right of everyone to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health;
Mr. Vernor Muñoz, Special Rapporteur on the right to education;
Mr Manfred Nowak, Special Rapporteur on torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment or punishment;
Mr. Martin Scheinin, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism;
Ms. Magdalena Sepulveda, Independent Expert on the question of human rights and extreme poverty;
Ms. Gulnara Shahinian, Special Rapporteur on Contemporary forms of slavery, its causes and consequences.

For further information on the Detention Initiative, visit the special web page entitled 'Dignity and Justice for Detainees Week' at www.ohchr.org

ENDS

Suhakam: Uthaya wasn't denied treatment (Malaysiakini)

Suhakam: Uthaya wasn't denied treatment

Beh Lih Yi | Apr 23, 08 3:14pm

Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leader P Uthayakumar has not been denied proper medical treatment, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has found following a probe. Commissioner N Siva Subramaniam said the claims were found to be untrue during Suhakam’s visit yesterday to the Kamunting detention camp in Taiping, Perak. There have been rising concerns over the health of Uthayakumar, a diabetic for the past 12 years. He is currently being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in Kamunting. “His situation is under control and he is happy with the medicines given to him,” Siva Subramaniam told a press conference at the Suhakam headquarters in Kuala Lumpur today. Alos present was commission secretary Ahmad Yusuf Ngah. Siva Subramaniam said he led a team which met with senior officials, the doctor and police personnel at the camp, as well as medical personnel in Taiping hospital. Uthayakumar was neither present during the four-hour probe, nor interviewed by the team. The commissioner said his team discovered that certain claims were false - that Uthayakumar had been treated merely by a health assistant and that he had been discharged too soon from the hospital. It was also not true that he had been denied medicine for diabetes over the past month despite repeated requests to the director of the Kamunting camp. “His family wanted to provide medicine to Uthayakumar but under the rules and regulations (of the camp), the medicine needs to come from the health ministry,” he noted. Siva Subramaniam said the substance of medicine was found to be the same from both sources. “He told the doctor that he is satisfied with what is being given to him,” said the commissioner, who nonetheless stressed that it was the right of any detainee to receive proper medical treatment. Siva Subramaniam was asked why Uthayakumar’s side of the story was not heard. “We came to a conclusion that as far as diseases and confidentiality of medical treatment (are concerned), it should be maintained between doctor and patient; a third party shouldn’t know what’s happening,” he contended. He pointed out that media reports were also sufficient to highlight Uthayakumar’s plight. To another question, he said the detainee’s family had not approached Suhakam for help, but understands that over 30 police reports had been lodged over the claim that Uthayakumar was being deprived of due medical attention. Visit to Lenggeng tomorrow Uthayakumar is among five Hindraf leaders who were detained under the ISA on Dec 13 last year after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25. This saw some 30,000 Indian Malaysians protesting against perceived marginalisation and discrimination. He was admitted to the Taiping hospital on April 7 after his sugar level rose to more than three times the normal level. He was discharged on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre, but his family insisted that he was still unwell. There have been calls from rights groups and politicians, including the MIC, to provide the lawyer-activist proper medical attention. There are currently 70 detainees in Kamunting under the ISA, a law which the government-backed human rights commission has consistently opposed. Siva Subramaniam also said he will lead a Suhakam team to the Lenggeng detention centre in Negri Sembilan tomorrow, after a riot on Monday. During the incident, about 60 Burmese detainees reportedly tried to pull down the perimeter fence and afterwards torched an administration building. More than 100 members of the people’s volunteer corps, riot police, civil defence department and fire and rescue service personnel had to be called in to contain the riot.

Family: Uthaya suffered a silent heart attack

Detention Without Trial is allready a serious violation of human rights - and persons can wrongly be detained for any length of time (normally 2 year detention orders are issued at a time..followed by another 2 years...and), and all at the whims of the Home Minister. The Home Minister has all the POWER - he decides whether to detain for a further period, or to release tomorrow. Uthayakumar and 4 others, associated with HINDRAF, are being detained by virtue of a detention order signed by the Prime Minister of Malaysia (who did so because he was the Minister for Internal Security..) There is NO JUDICIAL REVIEW of the reasons for detention. In fact, you can say anything absurd and get away with it... Now, it is shocking that Uthayakumar has been deprived of proper and basic health care....to the extend now his life is being threathened.. Uthayakumar, a diabetic for the past 12 years, was admitted to the Taiping hospital in Perak on April 7 after his sugar level rose to more than three times the normal level. His lawyer Santha Devi Velusamy complained that he was not given his diabetes medicines for the past one month despite making repeated requests to the detention centre director. Uthayakumar was discharged from the hospital on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre but his family members insist that he is still not well. Uthayakumar’s brother and Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy today criticised the authorities for prematurely discharging his sibling from the hospital. Family: Uthaya suffered a silent heart attack

K Kabilan | Apr 12, 08 12:22pm

The Malaysian Indian United Party (MIUP) today joined a chorus of calls being made to the government to ensure that ISA-detained Hindraf legal advisor P Uthayakumar is given a proper medical treatment. MIUP president KS Nallakaruppan said that it was the duty of the government to ensure Uthayakumar received proper medical treatment for his diabetes. “The detention centre authorities must make sure that Uthayakumar and the other four Hindraf detainees are in good health,” said Nallakaruppan today. “The authorities must not fail in their duty to provide healthcare for these detainees. “If they are needed to be admitted in a hospital, they then should be admitted. If they need to see a specialist, again, the detention centre must make arrangements for that,” he added. He also warned that the detention camp authorities should not turn the admission of any of these Hindraf leaders into a government hospital into a media event. “We see them parading Uthayakumar in handcuffs while being taken to the hospital and back to the detention centre. “This shouldn’t happen. He is not a criminal. If you are taking him to the hospital for treatment, then make sure that he gets the propers treatment,” he said. Nallakaruppan also urged the detention centre authorities to allow Uthayakumar to receive his proper medications from his doctors. Similarly, Nallakaruppan added that two other Hindraf detainees - V Ganabatirau and R Kenghadharan - had also complained of being denied medical treatment. “I urge the authorities to look into this matter seriously. I know how it feels to be locked up and being denied medical treatment. The government must show its humane face by giving proper medical treatment for these detainees,” he added. Family: a silent heart attack Uthayakumar, Ganabatirau, Kenghadharan, M Manoharan and T Vasantha Kumar - all key leaders of Hindu Rights Action Force - were detained under the Internal Security Act on Dec 13 shortly after organising a mammoth rally in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 25 which saw some 30,000 Indians taking to the streets. Uthayakumar, a diabetic for the past 12 years, was admitted to the Taiping hospital in Perak on April 7 after his sugar level rose to more than three times the normal level. His lawyer Santha Devi Velusamy complained that he was not given his diabetes medicines for the past one month despite making repeated requests to the detention centre director. Uthayakumar was discharged from the hospital on April 10 and taken back to the detention centre but his family members insist that he is still not well. Uthayakumar’s brother and Hindraf chairperson P Waythamoorthy today criticised the authorities for prematurely discharging his sibling from the hospital. In a statement issued from London where he is currently based, Waythamoorthy urged all Hindraf supporters to lodge police reports against the director of detention centre and the Home Affairs Minister for “negligently and prematurely discharging Uthayakumar thus seriously damaging his health”. “My family member who visited him confirms his complaints of decreased vision, giddiness, weakness and uncomfortable feeling in the heart. “The doctor who examined him at Taiping hospital suspected he may have damaged heart muscles and is suffering a silent heart attack as a result of being denied diabetes medication for more than a month,” he said. Police reports lodged Waythamoorthy added that a proper test to confirm Uthayakumar’s heart condition is only available at the Taiping hospital on April 28. “His condition is so serious and my family are willing to bear the private medical expenses. He needs to be referred to IJN urgently and we need the public to support our request for urgent private medical treatment,” he added. Waythamoorthy also claimed that upon Uthayakumar’s discharge from the hospital, he was again denied medication for more than 20 hours and served diet with high sugar content. In order to force the government to provide proper medical treatment to Uthayakumar, his mother K Kalaivaniy and fiancée Indra Devi Subramaniam lodged separate police reports at the Seremban and Brickfields police stations respectively this morning. Yesterday some 300 Hindraf supporters gathered at the Kamunting detention centre to protest against the lack of medical treatment for Uthayakumar.

Supporters rally for ill Uthaya

Supporters rally for ill Uthaya

Andrew Ong | Apr 11, 08 5:27pm

Some 300 Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) supporters today rallied in protest over alleged denial of medical attention being given to ISA detainee P Uthayakumar. The placard-armed crowd gathered in front of the Kamunting detention camp in Taiping at about 2pm today and held their peaceful protest while being under the watchful eyes of about 50 police personnel for about 90 minutes. Hindraf coordinator S Thanentheran told Malaysiakini that the crowd were outraged that Uthayakumar - one of the movement’s most recognisable face - was not treated humanely. “His potassium level is very low. It has caused him to become weak. His diabetic readings are also dangerously high at 15.5. His vision is failing him. “Hindraf supporters are angry, as they know his condition. This is very inhumane of the government. We hold ministry and camp commandant responsible for his life,” he said. Camp officials had admitted Uthayakumar to the Taiping Hospital on April 7. He was discharged two days later. Thanentheran said that Uthayakumar has yet to recover fully. “His detention diet is not suitable for a diabetic. He is not allowed to give himself insulin shots. His sole medications are pills which are not enough,” he added. Observe law Thanentheran had earlier failed in an attempt to convince camp authorities to allow a private doctor to treat Uthayakumar. Padang Serai MP N Gobalakrishnan who also attended the rally warned that the camp authorities must not be negligent in ensuring the well-being of detainees. “I believe if the camp denies Uthayakumar right to seek medication and doctor of his choice, they are violating the law. Action can be taken against them,” he said, adding that the Home Ministry must act on the matter. Gobalakrishnan however commended the police for their cooperation extended during the peaceful protest.

Probe prisoner 'beatings': Suhakam tells police (Malaysiakini)

Probe prisoner 'beatings': Suhakam tells police

Andrew Ong Jan 19, 07 5:00pm

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said it will launch a public inquiry if the police do not investigate the alleged beatings of inmates in the Simpang Renggam detention centre in Johor. According to Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam, the commission views seriously the allegations of abuse by warders compiled in his report after he visited the centre last week. “We want the police to investigate the police reports lodged by the alleged victims and their parents first. “We would give them one month to do so, failing which Suhakam would hold a public inquiry into the matter,” he said when contacted yesterday. On Monday, he said Suhakam appointed three commissioners to carry out the tentative public inquiry - Muhammad Shafee Abdullah, Dr Chiam Heng Keng and newly appointed commissioner and former director of the Public Complaints Bureau Khalid Ibrahim. “A public inquiry would once and for all enable victims and their parents to present their evidence (on the alleged abuse) to the inquiry,” he added. To date, there has been no official account of the incident. According to news reports, 16 inmates were given outpatient treatment at the Kluang hospital after the incident. One inmate, who contacted malaysiakini shortly after the incident, claimed that ratan canes and batons were used to beat inmates after they were made to squat on the floor. Previously, Siva said his Jan 8 visit to the detention centre revealed prima facie evidence of human rights abuse by the warders. Don’t delay In another development, rights group Suaram urged Suhakam not to delay in holding the public inquiry as evidence might be tampered with over the month. “We think it should be done as soon as possible because physical evidence on the inmates would be less obvious over time. Furthermore, any delay might allow certain parties to threaten the victims against giving evidence,” said Suaram coordinator Chang Lih Kang. On January 5, Suaram had written to Suhakam chairperson Abu Talib Othman, urging him to conduct the public inquiry. The detention centre holds some 4,000 inmates detained without trial under the Emergency Ordinance 1969 and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985. The centre has been the subject of controversy due to it being overcrowded and unhygienic.

Human rights violated in Simpang Renggam (Malaysiakini)

Human rights violated in Simpang Renggam

Andrew Ong Jan 11, 07 2:02pm

Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) commissioner N Siva Subramaniam is certain that human rights and prison rules were violated during a fracas at the Simpang Renggam detention centre in Johor last week. Siva had visited the centre on Monday following complaints of physical abuse by wardens on the inmates. He interviewed some 40 inmates regarding the Jan 3 incident. “While they (the prison authorities) might have reasons to justify the onslaught on unarmed prisoners, (I believe) they have no reason to justify the violation of basic human rights,” he said when contacted yesterday. The commissioner said he saw the physical evidence of beatings on several of the detainees. “In my opinion, we should hold a public inquiry on the matter. But its up to Suhakam to decide on Monday after I table my report on the visit,” he added. There has been no official account of the incident. According to news reports, 16 inmates were given outpatient treatment at the Kluang hospital. One inmate, who contacted malaysiakini shortly after the incident, claimed that ratan canes and batons were used to beat inmates after they were made to squat on the floor. Appalling conditions Based on his findings, Siva said an argument between an inmate and warden led the latter to raise the alarm. Following this, the Prison Safety Unit (UKP) stormed in and began assaulting the inmates. “What surprised even more was when I was told that prison officers were shouting at the UKP to stop (the beatings), but they didn’t,” said Siva, a former unionist turned Suhakam commissioner. The commissioner said he was saddened to learn that several inmates were afraid to seek medical treatment for their injuries for fear of reprisals such as as solitary confinement. He also pointed out that Simpang Renggam is highly unsanitary and many inmates were suffering from skin diseases and inactivity. “They are not asking for a five-star hotel. They just want to be treated like decent human beings and also be given medical attention. If not, what rehabilitation are we talking about?” he added. Meanwhile, human rights watchdog Suaram yesterday submitted a letter to Suhakam chairperson Abu Talib Othman, urging him to conduct a public inquiry into the matter. “Suhakam is the right body because they are entrusted to defend and promote human rights. Hence, they are duty bound to conduct this public inquiry to ascertain who are the perpetrators and propose how it can be avoided in the future,” said Suaram executive director Yap Swee Seng. The detention centre holds some 4,000 inmates detained without trial under the Emergency Ordinance 1969 and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985.

Jailers beat us, claims EO detainee (Malaysiakini)

Jailers beat us, claims EO detainee

Andrew Ong Jan 5, 07 2:05pm

Warders attacked some 40 inmates in the Simpang Renggam detention camp on Wednesday afternoon leaving scores injured, claimed an inmate. The source, who contacted malaysiakini that evening, said detainees from seven cells in a particular block were attacked after being made to squat. “They used ratan canes and batons. Some of us were beaten until we vomited. Others could not walk as their bones were broken,” said the inmate, a businessman prior to incarceration and accused of being notorious criminal gang member in Johor. According to newsreports today, 16 detainees were given out-patient treatment at the Kluang Hospital on Wednesday evening following the incident. One of them, S Selvam, allegedly suffered a broken hip, according to the New Straits Times. The source however claimed 21 individuals sought medical attention. Rehabilitation or reaffirmation? He said the beatings probably stemmed from a fracas between two youths that day, but the matter was then ‘handled’ and resolved by senior inmates. Two hour laters, an unspecified number of warders carried out the attacks. “Normally, they would call detainees in for questioning to find out about any fights that have taken place, but not this time,” he said, warning that resentment towards warders and the government by inmates were growing after the alleged attack. “This is a Pusat Pemulihan Akhlak (Moral Rehabilitation Centre) but they treat us worst than animals. Kita langsung tidak boleh baik. Depa buat kita lebih teruk. (We can’t be better persons like this. They make us even worse),” he added. Detention centre authorities could not be contacted for comments. Suhakam to probe Malaysian Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) commissioner Siva Subramaniam said the human rights watchdog would be investigating the matter. “Suhakam is concerned if the accusations are true. Prisoners need to be treated well as they are human beings too,” said Siva, who contacted by malaysiakini yesterday after he heard similar allegations on the beatings at the detention centre. He added that a Suhakam delegation might visit the centre on Monday. Almost all detainees in the detention camp are held under the Emergency (Public Order and Preventive of Crime) Ordinance 1969, a law which allows detention without trial. Detention can be renewed every two years under the discretion of the internal security minister on advice from the police. Generally, detainees at the centre range from alleged criminal gang members to petty thieves. They are normally never charged in court for their alleged crimes. The Simpang Renggam detention camp which holds about 1,000 inmates is often a subject of controversy due to its deplorable, unsanitary and overcrowded conditions