I refer to the Malaysiakini report 13 ISA freed, ban lifted on party organs .

I read with much humour and skepticism, our newly-minted prime minister’s speech announcing the release of 13 ISA detainees including two of the Hindraf 5.

It is only in Malaysian politics that a regime can detain someone, deprive them of all their basic rights under a draconian law and then expect the citizens to be thankful and applaud the gesture of releasing a few detainees.

This is very much like someone coming to your house to rob you of all your belongings (basic rights) and then 15 months later returning to you 40% of your belongings and expecting you to thank them for it.

Obviously, the decision to release the detainees must have been made some time before Najib's inauguration. For him to time the announcement of their release as a gesture of goodwill to coincide with his inauguration simply for the sake of gaining political mileage is a very deplorable act.

To use human beings, people who have families and loved ones waiting and worrying about them, as political tools speaks of an attitude devoid of morals. I echo many of the comments made to date that if the two are now no longer considered ‘a threat to national security’ , then all five should be released.

As for his speech, he said that ‘We must draw on talented people across our nation, regardless of their position or background, to re-energise a passion for public service. We must sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians’.

It is laughable that till today, whilst there are many Malaysians, formerly and/or presently still of Malaysian citizenship and who hold the highest positions in many companies and GLC's across the globe, we have yet to see a non-Malay CEO for any Malaysian GLC or agency or in a ministerial post other than that of the works, health or transport portfolios.

The rest of the speech was also full of ‘hot air’ ;

‘..a government that places a priority on performance and result, because the people must come first.’

‘..conduct a comprehensive review of the Internal Security Act’

‘..rise to the challenge of building a One Malaysia. People First. Performance Now.’

‘..sow the seeds of goodwill and understanding in every corner of this land, so that we continue to harvest the fruits of progress and prosperity for all Malaysians’.

Well then, please walk the talk, Najib!